What the Project Is
Heritage Bee Co. is all about premium, gourmet honey made with 100% Ontario wildflower honey. Born from a moment of serendipity—a chance encounter with wild feral honeybees living in a white pine tree—and fueled by a genuine passion for sustainable living, Heritage Bee Co. began its journey on picturesque countryside adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment, just north of Toronto. This family-run business, founded in 2016, not only crafts exquisite raw honey but also transforms the beekeeping experience with its innovative Hive Hosting service. Every jar tells a story—from the rustic charm of local beekeeping traditions to a commitment to nature and the environment. The ethos is simple: a natural way of beekeeping is better for bee and plant populations, creating a vital link in preserving our local ecosystem.
Main Benefit
Key benefits and figures include:
- Certified B Corp since 2017 with a bcorp score of 103.3
- 100% Ontario wildflower honey, produced away from industrial agriculture
- Handcrafted raw honey, unpasteurized and unadulterated
- Innovative Hive Hosting service providing personalized honey jar labels and direct hive extraction
- Free Shipping when the purchase is $60 or more
- A sustainable approach that avoids pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides
- Community engagement through local events, shows, and markets
Sustainable and Natural Beekeeping
Heritage Bee Co. believes that trusting in nature is the best form of beekeeping—less about controlling nature and more about synchronizing with it. The company opts for sustainable practices that honor natural food production, ensuring that every drop of raw honey is as natural and pure as possible. By avoiding harmful chemicals and employing careful, hand-processed methods, their approach supports healthy bee populations, which in turn keep local flora thriving. The natural flow of their everyday operations is in tune with the environment, helping to maintain vital ecosystems… all while providing the community with delectable gourmet food options.
Community and Local Impact
More than just a producer of sweet treats, Heritage Bee Co. has cultivated a rich local legacy. The enterprise sells its pure Ontario honey at a variety of events, shows, and markets, becoming a beloved part of community life. The friendly beekeepers behind the business are known for their huge hearts, pouring care into every step—from managing the bees on the local farms to bottling each jar by hand in their Honey House near Creemore. This close-knit operation reflects the beauty of local food production, lovingly sharing the benefits of pollination and healthy ecosystems with the surrounding community.
Quality, Passion, and Tradition
At the heart of Heritage Bee Co. is an unwavering passion for pure, unadulterated honey and sustainable practices that have been passed along through generations. Every jar is a testament to their dedication—from the meticulous care of the bees in the field to the gentle extraction of honey that maintains its natural flavor and nutritional benefits. The process is hands-on and personal; Debbie & Jeff, the faces behind the operation, are deeply involved in every aspect of production. This small, family-run business not only delivers gourmet food but does so with an authenticity that resonates with those who understand that great taste really comes from a place of care and respect for nature.
Project Impact
- Life on Land
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Biodiversity
Future Directions and Innovations
Looking ahead, Heritage Bee Co. continues to expand its horizons in the world of natural, locally sourced honey. Embracing both tradition and innovation, the company is constantly exploring new ways to blend sustainable practices with the demands of modern gourmet food trends—like offering infused and flavored honey varieties that remain true to their wildflower roots. The Hive Hosting service is evolving too, turning beekeeping into an accessible, engaging experience for local hosts who get to enjoy their very own direct-from-hive honey, while simultaneously supporting the environment. There is a clear commitment to leveraging business as a force for good, keeping people, planet, and premium, natural food at the forefront. This forward-thinking approach punctuates every step of their journey—always with a friendly, casual vibe and a touch of that irresistible Canadian charm…
