Wendell Estate Honey has made headlines recently as a finalist for the prestigious Saskatchewan Trade and Export Award. Competing against other prominent businesses, Wendell Estate Honey received high marks from a committee of Saskatchewan export leaders for its outstanding performance in introducing new products and services to international markets. Sponsored by Export Development Canada (EDC), the award recognizes excellence among STEP members in export markets, reinforcing EDC’s mission to assist Canadian companies in succeeding globally.
In addition to this recognition, Wendell Estate Honey achieved significant success at the World Beekeeping Awards (WBA), held in September 2023 in Santiago, Chile. Often referred to as the “Olympics of Beekeeping,” the WBA is a highly esteemed event where beekeepers from around the globe showcase their honey and bee products. Participants compete for medals, and only the finest honeys are awarded.
Tim Wendell, founder of Wendell Estate Honey and owner of Wendell Honey Farm, expressed his passion for beekeeping and the joy of connecting with fellow beekeepers at international conferences. After winning a gold medal in the soft-set honey category at the 2019 WBA in Montreal, Tim looked forward to entering again. However, due to the upheaval caused by the Ukrainian war, the 2021 congress was relocated to Istanbul, preventing his attendance.
The competition format changed between 2019 and 2023, with significant shifts in the judging process. In 2019, an independent laboratory tested all honeys for adulteration, leading to the disqualification of 46% of entries. The recent event saw a different approach, where only honeys deemed exceptional by judges were subjected to lab testing. A staggering 52% of the tested honeys were disqualified for various reasons, including high moisture content and the presence of contaminants.
Despite not winning gold this year, Wendell Estate Honey proudly secured a bronze medal in the soft-set honey category. Tim reflected on this achievement, acknowledging the fierce competition and the rigorous standards upheld by the WBA. “Unlike many marketing organizations that offer awards to every entrant, the World Beekeeping Awards are a legitimate, competitive accolade. It’s an honour to stand alongside the best raw honeys from around the world,” he said.
Wendell Estate Honey’s ability to meet the rigorous laboratory standards set by the WBA is a testament to the quality and integrity of its products. Winning a medal at such a prestigious event is a notable accomplishment, serving as icing on the cake for this dedicated honey producer.
With its recent successes, Wendell Estate Honey continues to shine in both local and international arenas, showcasing the richness of Canadian honey and the passion of its beekeepers.
“Best raw honeys from around the world”