About The Honey Standard

Why we are building it

Buyers should be able to understand where their honey comes from and what supports the claims on the jar. Responsible beekeepers and packing businesses should have a practical way to demonstrate the care, records and controls behind their work.

Our proposed approach follows honey through production, extraction, handling and packing. The aim is an assurance scheme based on defined requirements, proportionate assessment and publicly checkable certification.

Founded by Robert Honey

Robert Honey is a beekeeper and the founder of The Honey Standard Ltd. His interest in the journey from hive to jar informs the initiative’s focus on authentic honey and clear traceability.

Robert also founded The Honey Collective Ltd, a separate honey retail business. That relationship is disclosed because commercial interests must be considered when designing impartial assessment and certification decisions.

Where we are now

The detailed technical standard and its governance and assurance arrangements are being developed. We are inviting practical, scientific and assurance expertise to help test the requirements before they are finalised.

The website and member portal support that development. Creating an account, completing an assessment or submitting evidence does not itself mean that an organisation is certified. Adopted rules, confirmed appointments and certification arrangements will be published as they are agreed.

Expertise and accountability

We welcome input from beekeepers, bee farmers, extraction and packing operators, bee health specialists, laboratories and people experienced in food assurance and governance. Contributors and reviewers will be named only with their agreement and when their roles are confirmed.

Our knowledge pages are published by The Honey Standard as introductory guidance. They distinguish external research from the approach being developed for THS. Questions, corrections and constructive challenges are welcome.

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