Interview - David Baldwin - AB's Honey
Honey is an important and beloved element in the Australian diet as well as other international cuisines. AB’s Honey brings Australian honey to the table and can fulfil myriad requests for gourmet and white label honeys. We spoke with owner David Baldwin to learn more.
FFW: How did the AB’S Honey brand come to be?
AB’S HONEY: AB’s Honey stands for Australian Beekeeper’s Honey. As beekeepers ourselves, we can discern quality honey and only use Australian honey from Australian Beekeepers.
FFW: What kind of expertise is behind the products?
AB’S HONEY: Our focus is on delivering reliable supply, exceptional quality. Our decades of experience enables us to source excellent Australian honey, deliver high quality end product and back this up with industry leading service.
FFW: Is all AB’S Honey from your own hives or do you source from other beekeepers?
AB’S HONEY: We work with a trusted network of beekeepers. Over the years, this has enabled us to always deliver. Even in times of drought and honey shortages, we have never let a customer down.
FFW: What is meant by ‘gourmet honey’?
AB’S HONEY: Gourmet honey is premium honey of a defined varietal. Leatherwood honey, for example, is only created by bees foraging the Leatherwood forests of Tasmania. As such, it has a distinctive flavour and aroma prized by honey connoisseurs worldwide.
Gourmet honey also refers to our specially produced gourmet blends. These include Ginger in Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey, Cinnamon and Manuka Honey, Coffee Infused Honey and Vanilla Infused Honey.
Realistically, your imagination is the only limit. We have had clients request many, many different gourmet blends and we are always excited to see what our customers will suggest next.
FFW: How much consistency is there in flavour profiles over the course of a year with the changing of the seasons?
AB’S HONEY: We work hard to ensure you and your clients will notice no variation in flavour profiles. This is because we understand the importance of consistency for our customers. We achieve this through checking each batch to ensure it complies with customer expectations.
FFW: What makes AB’S Honey a quality brand?
AB’S HONEY: Both the product and service you will receive define AB’s Honey as a quality brand. Being a small family business, we treat our customers as individuals. Thankfully, the feedback we receive indicates our customers really feel that in our service.
We source only 100% Australian honey – widely recognised as the highest quality honey in the world – direct from our known beekeeping associates. We do as little as possible to the honey to deliver a pure product that meets your specification. We know you will not find better honey anywhere.
We value your time. We try to make things as easy as possible for you through the process by always keeping you in the loop and only partnering with quality service providers (e.g., freight companies).
Your order will be delivered in full and on time ensuring you do not face the time expense of following us up.
FFW: Is your honey heat-treated?
AB’S HONEY: We only heat treat our honey at our customers’ request and to meet their Product Specifications.
FFW: Is it organic?
AB’S HONEY: Our honey is certainly organic, however, it is not ‘Certified Organic’.
FFW: Do you supply any medicinal honey?
AB’S HONEY: Yes, Australian Manuka Honey is recognised as being the best in the world. It is known for its health and immunity boosting qualities. AB’s Honey is a leading supplier of Australian Manuka Honey in Australia and internationally.
Our active Australian Manuka Honey is available in a strength to meet your specific needs, from Manuka Honey MGO 30+ through to our high-strength Manuka Honey MGO 900+.
FFW: What kinds of retailers are stocking your products?
AB’S HONEY: You will find our products in a growing number of high-quality food retailers, everywhere from your local IGA and Foodstore through to boutique and gourmet outlets. You will not find our brand competing with you in the duopoly of Australian supermarkets.
FFW: What do you feel are the most compelling features of your brand?
AB’S HONEY: AB’s Honey is proud to be a 100% Australian family-owned business supplying 100% Australian all-natural products.
We build meaningful relationships with our customers and beekeepers and are highly responsive to customer needs. We take pride in our product, and no order is too big or too small.
FFW: Is there something you would love for consumers to know about not just honey in general, but your honey products in particular?
AB’S HONEY: Australian honey is widely recognised as the best in the world, and we take care to source only the best quality 100% pure and natural Australian honey.
Our honey is not a mass-produced end product. We work with you to ensure you receive the honey that best matches your specifications for flavour, colour and consistency.
FFW: How do your contract manufacturing/white label services work?
AB’S HONEY: Our customers choose the level of support and service they need. We work with them to guide them through the process.
FFW: What would the minimum order be for a white label product?
AB’S HONEY: Carton lots, e.g., 12 jars.
FFW: What’s next for the AB’S Honey brand?
AB’S HONEY: We aim to continue to serve our customers to the best of our ability whilst always looking for a better way.
If you’d like to know more about this enticing Australian brand, get in touch with AB’s Honey today.
