Established as a family business nearly 70 years ago, Mossop’s has been producing top quality honey ever since, using traditional methods to ensure the highest standard is delivered while keeping a good, old-fashioned friendly service. Wendy and Neil Mossop run the company, paying attention to detail and quality in every production aspect, from the hive to the honey pot.
What is your company background? How did you start the business?
“Mossop’s was launched in 1947 by Neil’s father, Ron Mossop. By 1952 Ron had over 600 beehives and by the 1960s Ron and his wife Noeline established the little roadside honey stall at Tauriko, Tauranga.
In 1981, oldest son Neil and his wife Wendy took over the business and have grown it to what it is today. They now own and operate over 5000 beehives and are involved in all aspects of honey production ‘From hive to honey pot’.
All of Neil and Wendy’s children have worked in the family business over the years, with eldest sons Ryan and Duane both currently in managerial roles. Keeping the business family owned and operated ensures the traditional and unique processing methods developed by Ron are continued in order to maintain the natural goodness and flavour of the honey.”
What are the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“At Mossop’s, we pride ourselves on not over-processing, over-stirring or over-heating our honey, and have customers nationwide and worldwide who love our honey because of the wonderful natural flavours maintained through our processing system.
All our honey and honey-based products are naturally gluten-free. In addition to our tasty honey and honey-based products to eat, we also manufacture our very own and unique 100 percent natural skin care range, natruél.
To develop a honey-based skin care range that is 100 percent natural was essential, there was to be no compromise. natruél is manufactured using a high percentage of UMF® Manuka honey and cold pressed olive oil, providing customers’ skin with more nourishment. The essential oil blend in each system has been specially selected to help complement the purpose of the system.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“We have recently released our new UMf10+ Manuka Honey and Propolis lozenges, which come in four different flavours – propolis, lemon, cranberry and blackcurrant. They are made
using dehydrated honey, pressed into a lozenge form, which means no added sugar and a very high honey content, great for the health-conscious consumer and even better for winter wellness.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward? Is there any expansion on the horizon?
“Mossop’s are always expanding in one way or another whether it’s infrastructure, vehicle fleet, employees, products or stockists. We are always busy bees.”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
“Mossop’s products are currently available in Foodstuffs stores throughout the upper North Island and selected health and souvenir stores throughout the country. We also export to seven different countries around the world. In future, we would like to see our products in Foodstuffs stores throughout the country, plus boutique supermarkets like Nosh and Farro. All Mossop’s products are available online at www.mossops.co.nz as well as at our retail store in Tauriko, Tauranga.”
