Supplying honey with integrity, consistency, and care
From ethical sourcing to strict quality controls, Brother Bees Honey supplies dependable honey solutions for retail, food service, and manufacturing partners across South Africa.
Our Story
Brother Bees began in 2010 around a fire on a fruit farm in Ceres.
During a conversation with local farmers, the importance of honey bees in pollination and food security became clear. At the same time, there was a growing concern: bee colonies were declining, the beekeeping population was aging, and sourcing reliable commercial beekeepers for pollination was becoming increasingly difficult.
At the time, founder and current CEO Greg Thijsse had just completed his business degree and was searching for an entrepreneurial opportunity. Inspired by the conversation – and the vital role bees play in our food system – he dove headfirst into the beekeeping industry.
Like most things worth pursuing, beekeeping came with significant challenges. Droughts, theft and vandalism, limited access to quality sites, and bee diseases made it one of the most demanding agricultural industries to succeed in. After several years in the field, Greg identified an opportunity to pivot – moving from beekeeping into the procurement, bottling, and distribution of honey.
Having built strong relationships with large-scale beekeepers, a reliable supply chain was already in place. In 2013, Brother Bees opened its first commercial factory in Killarney Gardens, establishing one of the largest automated honey bottling lines in South Africa.
The company initially positioned itself as a contract packer, focusing on private-label honey and supplying some of South Africa’s largest retailers. Over time, Brother Bees diversified into food service, hospitality, and bulk honey supply for manufacturers using honey as an ingredient.
Today, Brother Bees supplies all major retailers across the country, packing a wide range of products under both private-label and branded offerings. With over 15 years of experience and more than 100 satisfied customers, Brother Bees is firmly established as one of South Africa’s leading honey suppliers.
The company has been awarded Gold and Silver at the Food & Home Awards for great taste and is certified by the SABS under HACCP regulations, as well as FSA, Halaal, and Kosher certifications.
Built on reliability and long-term partnerships
Trust sits at the centre of everything we do. Our customers rely on Brother Bees Honey for consistent quality, dependable delivery, and clear communication — whether they are purchasing honey for a home kitchen or supplying products at scale.
We understand the operational demands of business, which is why we prioritise traceability, testing, and compliance across our supply chain. By working transparently and responsibly, we aim to be a partner businesses can grow with.
Our Honey Promise
Quality, consistency, and care in every batch
Our honey is a blend of South African, African, and Chinese honey, carefully sourced to ensure year-round availability and consistent flavour.
Regardless of origin, all honey supplied by Brother Bees is tested in accredited European laboratories for purity and safety, and complies fully with the honey regulations set out by the South African Government.
We do not sell raw honey. All honey undergoes a controlled warming and straining process to remove natural impurities and ensure a clean, consistent product suitable for both retail and commercial use.
Certifications
Meeting recognised food safety and quality standards
Brother Bees Honey operates in line with recognised food safety and quality requirements. Our processes and products support compliance with key industry standards, providing confidence for food manufacturers, hospitality operators, and retail partners.
These certifications reinforce our commitment to safe handling, responsible processing, and dependable quality across our product range.
View our certifications:
Let’s Bee Your Honey Partner
Whether you need small or large volumes, our team can help you find the right solution.