A Sweet History: The Story of Bee Maid Honey

Not many companies have a history as sweet as Bee Maid! Our Cooperatives and brand have been around for decades, sweetening the lives of our customers across Canada and beyond. Here’s a glimpse into our rich history:

Featured image for “Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers (MCHP)”
  • 1930s

Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers (MCHP)

Recognizing the need for a central processing, packing, and marketing organization, the Manitoba Cooperative Honey Producers (MCHP) was incorporated in 1938.

Featured image for “Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative (AHPC)”
  • 1940s

Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative (AHPC)

  • The Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative (AHPC) was incorporated in 1940.
  • AHPC purchased its first packing plant, marketing honey under the Alta Sweet brand.
Featured image for “The early years of Bee Maid Honey”
  • 1950s

The early years of Bee Maid Honey

  • Interprovincial Honey Sales (later known as Bee Maid Honey Limited) was established in 1954 when the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Honey Cooperatives partnered to distribute their honey.
  • A larger facility was constructed in Winnipeg, and operations moved from the Bannatyne Plant to Roseberry.
Featured image for “Coming Together, Defining Quality”
  • 1960s

Coming Together, Defining Quality

  • Alberta Honey Cooperative officially joins the Bee Maid Honey Limited family, working together to meet the highest standards for production and packaging.
  • A separate pool system was introduced to classify white, golden, amber, and dark honey.
Featured image for “The Rise of Bee Maid”
  • 1970s

The Rise of Bee Maid

  • The Manitoba and Saskatchewan Cooperatives merged under MCHP.
  • Interprovincial Honey Sales Limited was renamed Bee Maid Honey.
  • Bee Maid acquired the Beekist brand name from the Ontario Honey Producers Co-operative.
  • The Honey Division of the Alpha Milk Company in Alberta was purchased.
  • The Bee Maid brand replaced Clover Crest (MB), Sasco (SK), and Alta Sweet (AB).
  • Lemon-flavoured honey was introduced.
Featured image for “Spicing Things Up”
  • 1980s

Spicing Things Up

  • Hot & Spicy Honey Mustard made its debut.
  • Bee Maid launched its first TV commercial.
Featured image for “Growing with Purpose”
  • 1990s

Growing with Purpose

  • Western Wax Works was established.
  • Bee Maid plants received HACCP certification.
  • Bee Maid collaborated on the Canadian Cold Buster Bar.
  • Honey Bar-Bee-Q Sauce and Honey Garlic Sauce were introduced.
  • AHPC relocated from Edmonton to a new plant in Spruce Grove.
Featured image for “Innovation Meets Tradition”
  • 2000s

Innovation Meets Tradition

  • Bee Maid launched its Estore.
  • A new building for empty drums was completed in Spruce Grove.
  • Bee Maid Au Naturel Honey was a finalist in the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards™.
  • The Sweet Talk newsletter was introduced.
Featured image for “Sweet Standards and Standout Products”
  • 2010s

Sweet Standards and Standout Products

  • An incentive program was launched for members to achieve the CFIA Producer/Grader Certificate.
  • Bee Maid became SQF Certified and True Source Certified.
  • Li’l Honeys was introduced and quickly became a go-to product for convenience stores and coffee shops.
  • BeeMaid Raw was launched and within its first year became one of the top 10 selling honey SKUs in Canada.
Featured image for “Honouring the Past; Building the Future”
  • 2020s

Honouring the Past; Building the Future

  • Bee Maid Honey celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024.
  • In 2024, a new Winnipeg plant opened, and the Spruce Grove facility completed a significant expansion.