MANCHESTER, England, 2016-Nov-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — A Mid Wales-based honey maker is “buzzing” after winning a contract to supply more than 500 Co-op food stores UK-wide.
Hilltop Honey was founded in 2011 at the family farm in Newtown after Scott Davies – a former rugby player with Newtown Rugby Club who worked as a coal merchant and a builder – sustained a back injury and needed to reconsider his future.
Now producing around 14,000 jars of honey a week, Hilltop Honey – which is supplying Co-op with own-branded honey – is set to move its jarring operation from the village of Caersws into new premises in Newtown in the New Year and has ambitions to increase its workforce to around 30 over the next three years.
Scott Davies, 28, who has this year picked up the Golden Fork Award at the Great Taste Awards and the Micro Business Award at the Powys Business Awards, said:
“We are delighted, it has been a great year and this contract win gives Hilltop Honey an introduction to own-branded sales which not only opens up new markets, but also supports our move to new premises and future expansion plans.
“I was 21 when I hurt my back and I needed to do something with my life. Walking to a bee-hive in the garden at home formed part of my physio routine and recuperation. I always wanted my own business and to work outside. I quickly got the bee-keeping bug.
“We are passionate about our honey. It is full of raw, natural flavours and we are pleased to work closely with the Co-op to satisfy the increasing demand for high quality Welsh produce.”
Simon Dryell, Ranging Manager for the Co-op’s food stores in Wales, said:
“Hilltop Honey is a Welsh success story full of passion for great quality produce and a determination to overcome adversity. We are delighted to be working with Hilltop Honey.
“We know that food provenance really matters to our customers and we are committed to sourcing and celebrating great local produce.”
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
M: 07702 505 551
E: Andrew.torr@coop.co.uk
Source: Coop