J.Friend and Co - NZ Artisan Honey Makers
If you love honey then you need to know about J.Friend and Co. Started in 2008 by Jeremy Friend & Sharyn Woodnorth, J. Friend and Co produce a boutique range of single flower honeys sourced from New Zealand's diverse landscape. These guys work their passionate artisan beekeepers to source the very best single flower honey from some of NZ’s most spectacular native plants and settings - from the vibrant red Pohutukawa on the beautiful coastal Coromandel Peninsula to ancient isolated Manuka forests found on the West Coast to the untamed fields of Central Otago Thyme...puts a new spin on how I think of these locations, there not just great places to visit and holiday, they’re providing us the ingredients that make up the yummiest of honey to drizzle on hot toast or cold if you’re that way inclined.
Sharyn has taken some time out of her busy and hectic schedule to share with us a bit more about the brand and what makes her day...
Why doing what you do/motivation to start your business?
To introduce honey lovers to the myriad of flavours, colours and textures of single origin, single varietal NZ honey We were frustrated by the fact that the unique character of the honey available to local consumers had been stripped through over blending and processing and that most of our quality honey was been shipped overseas in bulk to be packed and processed overseas.
How did you decide on your brand/business name/any specific meaning behind it?
We wanted a name that personalised our brand – and decided the best name to use was ours!! J. Friend and co- we were proud of what we were doing so wanted to put our name on it!
Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in business?
To do what you truly love and believe in without compromise – everything else will follow
Got a tip for the best way to use/consume your product?
Simply by the spoonful or drizzled over a good quality sourdough or thick coconut yoghurt
What are some small things that make your day?
Small rituals such as burning an essential oil at different times of the day so the house and work is filled with a beautiful scent throughout the day- I adjust the oil combinations depending on the time of day and the mood. Visiting the hives on a summer day and enjoying the satisfying sound of the bees hard at work.
What takes up too much of your time?
Emails and administration – a necessary evil
Favourite thing to do to relax/unwind?
Yoga
What are you most grateful and thankful for in your life?
Good health, family and friends and having freedom and the opportunity to do what I love
What TV show has you hooked at the moment
Discovery – always fascinating!!
www.nzartisanhoney.co.nz
@jfriendandco
Be sure to check out their site as Sharyn posts great recipes that celebrate the flavours of vintage honey and she has shared one with us using the Blackcurrant Honey we stock, check it out here. Honey is such a versatile ingredient with a great taste...how do you like to enjoy yours?
