Snowdonia in Wales is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of food production. It’s more likely visions of incredible mountain peaks will be conjured. However, and what might come as a surprise, the area is home to some amazing food producers. In this feature, we are looking at one of them, a business that is genuinely creating a buzz, and it goes by the name The Snowdonia Honey Co.
Already well-known for producing premium quality grass-fed beef and lamb, cheese, and other regional foods, the Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) and North Wales are now making their mark on the honey (mêl) industry.
According to Snowdonia honey pioneer Alun Allcock, the diverse flora and fauna of Snowdonia, coupled with the fact that the bees have to be tough to cope with the often-wild conditions, has resulted in honey with a sought-after and distinctive flavour, aroma, and colour. The combination is resulting in a growing following of discerning British food lovers.
Alun has gradually added to his hives to keep up with demand. Starting with just two, The Snowdonia Honey Co. now has around 100 hives dotted throughout the Snowdonia countryside, equating to 6 million or so bees at the height of summer.
The most popular kinds of honey include Welsh Wildflower, which varies depending on the changing seasons and locations of the wildflowers, which can include bramble, gorse, blackthorn, clover, and dandelion, as well as other mountain fauna.
The honey is a light amber colour with a smooth texture and delicate wildflower aroma. The taste is mild and sweet, featuring subtle floral notes and a gentle, lingering aftertaste of liquorice on the palate.
There is also Snowdonia Ling Heather Honey, which is only available for a very short time in September and comes from the Welsh Ling Heather that turns the slopes of Snowdonia a magnificent purple in July and August. It is a smooth, dark, and rich honey that has a sweet yet earthy taste.
“We’re proud to have produced a honey that is gaining recognition both in Wales and throughout the UK,” says Alun. “It started as a side project when I moved our family to a small farm in Snowdonia four years ago and realised that it would be the perfect spot for some hives, with the flower-covered mountainsides and meadows of the national park so close by.
“When I tried the first batch of honey from those original bees, I knew we had found something special. Snowdonia can be a harsh environment, and the bees have to be extra tough to survive and thrive. That – coupled with the wonderful flowers and plants that are native here, including our heather – has resulted in a unique, high-quality honey that reflects the region’s unspoiled wilderness. I’m delighted to see more and more people tasting and discovering it.”
Social responsibility and environmental sustainability are central to everything that The Snowdonia Honey Co. does. Alun helps to pass on and promote the environmental and positive contribution that bees and beekeeping make to the environment through his tutoring and mentoring work of new beekeepers through his work with The National Beekeeping Centre for Wales courses.
The hives are managed in a way that ensures the health and well-being of the bees while promoting sustainable honey production and protecting the environment.
The Snowdonia Honey Co. practices cold extraction and filtration of their honey and only harvests honey when the bees have produced an excess. This means that the honey is free from any additives or contaminants and is as close to nature as possible.
Snowdonia Honey Co. products are stocked in a range of delis and grocers in the Snowdonia region and can also be purchased online from snowdoniahoney.com for free delivery anywhere in the UK.
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