Sustainable Success: Backed by Bees - A Honey Business Making a Buzz in 2023
Amidst the global challenges of 2023, there's a sweet success story buzzing in Burlington, Ontario, where Dave Stotesbury and Vincent Sowa have transformed their shared passion for bees into the thriving honey business - Backed By Bees.
As the world grapples with the challenges of 2023, there's a heartening tale of success and sustainability emerging from Burlington, Ontario - the story of Backed By Bees. What began as a chance meeting between Dave Stotesbury and Vincent Sowa at a beekeeping course has blossomed into a thriving honey business that goes beyond just producing sweet nectar.
Nestled on the picturesque Niagara Escarpment, with Mount Nemo providing a stunning backdrop, Backed By Bees has become a beacon of sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. Specializing in raw honey, honey soda, and honey-based sustainable alcohol, this honey business stands out not just for its delectable products but for the immersive experience it offers to visitors.
The founders, Sowa and Stotesbury, met over lunch and a shared interest in bees. United by their concern for the natural world and a commitment to making a positive impact, they established Backed By Bees. Sowa, a former Canadian Armed Forces member, wanted to inspire a connection with nature and protect pollinating honey bees that play a vital role in global food supply.
Stotesbury, an experienced beekeeper and vice president of the Ontario Beekeepers Association, tends to 700 hives scattered across the Halton region. Together, they not only produce honey but also contribute to environmental services by strategically placing hives in locations that significantly impact pollination on a community scale.
What sets Backed By Bees apart is not just its products but the commitment to environmental education. Visitors to the four-acre site can explore the tour yard, witness the pollination process in the pollinator garden, and interact with two million honey bees, fostering a deeper connection to nature.
The business's mead, an alcohol fermented 100% from honey, adds a historical touch to their offerings. Positioned as the only operating meadery in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Backed By Bees brings a unique flavor to the local community.
In addition to being a business success, Backed By Bees exemplifies environmental responsibility. The founders have repurposed shipping containers for their retail store and mead-making area, showcasing a commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint.
As we reflect on the challenges of the year, the story of Backed By Bees stands out as a testament to the positive impact businesses can have when driven by a passion for the environment. It's not just a honey business; it's a beacon of sustainability and a reminder that small actions can make a significant difference in building a more connected and environmentally conscious world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What sets Backed By Bees apart from other honey businesses? A1: Backed By Bees is distinctive for its focus on raw honey, honey soda, and honey-based sustainable alcohol. The business offers a unique experience by inviting visitors to interact with two million honey bees on-site.
Q2: How has Backed By Bees contributed to environmental awareness? A2: The founders, Sowa and Stotesbury, aim to inspire people to connect with nature and protect pollinating honey bees. The business facilitates an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the pollination process and gain a deeper understanding of the vital role bees play in our food supply.
Q3: What is the significance of the name "Backed By Bees"? A3: The name reflects the business's commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighting that it is literally backed by the bees. The founders emphasize the importance of the connection between their business and the natural world.
Q4: How does Backed By Bees balance business and environmental responsibility? A4: The business minimizes its environmental footprint by repurposing shipping containers for its retail store and mead-making area. Additionally, they contribute to environmental services by placing hives in various locations, providing crucial pollination for community benefit.
Q5: What are some unique products offered by Backed By Bees? A5: Backed By Bees specializes in raw honey, honey soda, and honey-based sustainable alcohol, known as mead. They experiment with different flavors, and their meads are gluten-free, with no added sugar, starting with a base of fermented honey from their on-site hives.
