The rich flavour and growing creativity of South Africa’s honey industry were on full display at the first Annual Gauteng Honey and Mead Competition, held at Heckers Garden Centre recently.

The event was hosted by the Eastern Highveld Beekeepers Association (EHBA) from the East Rand, with strong support from the Northerns Beekeeping Association in Pretoria and the Southerns Beekeeping Association in Johannesburg. Judging was provided by the Honey Judges’ and Stewards’ Guild of South Africa.

Pete Beart, chairperson of the EHBA, said the inaugural competition drew an impressive 97 entries from beekeepers, mead-makers and artisans across the country, marking a significant milestone for the province’s beekeeping community.

“Participants competed in three categories. The honey category showcased a range of styles including liquid, crystallised, creamed and softset varieties. The mead category highlighted the world’s oldest fermented drink, with archaeological evidence tracing its origins back more than 6 000 years and local folklore suggesting it may have been discovered by the Khoisan as far back as 20 000 years ago.

“The value-added category displayed innovation through honey-infused cosmetics, gourmet treats and bee-inspired art.”

Beart highlighted the strong participation as a reflection of growing pride in local production and welcomed the mix of competition and consumer interaction.

“We are thrilled. Today was both a competition and a vibrant marketplace where people engaged with the producers behind their favourite honey,” he said.

At the official prizegiving trophies were awarded for Best Bottle of Honey, Best Bottle of Mead, Best Value-Added Product and Overall Highest Score.

Honey Judges’ and Stewards’ Guild representative Eddy Lear said the event encouraged public involvement through tastings and voting in the People’s Choice Award, while creating space for beekeepers to share expertise directly with visitors.

“The competition also reflects an important revival in South Africa’s honey heritage. In the late 1800s and throughout much of the 20th century, honey competitions were a staple of agricultural shows such as the Rand Easter Show, first held in 1895 under the Witwatersrand Agricultural Society.

These shows declined in the 1980s and 1990s, and after the WAS was liquidated in the early 2000s, honey competitions disappeared for nearly two decades.

“The Honey Judges’ and Stewards’ Guild of South Africa reinstated competitions in 2019, renewing excitement in beekeeping nationwide. This year’s Gauteng event marks the first time all three regional associations have collaborated with the Guild to host a provincial competition, which organisers believe signals the start of a strong new tradition.”

Special award winners:

Best Bottle of Honey: Hawthorne Hill Farm

Best Bottle of Mead: Zia Wort

Best Value-Added Product: Niel Harmse

Highest Overall Score: Ronel Swanepoel

Special Mention – 100% Score: Niel Harmse