Company founded
1956
Description
We understand that your food service customers expect nothing but the best from you. With over 80 years of experience as honey packers and producers, we take pride in providing the highest quality honey. Smitty Bee's complete honey traceability programs, strict testing procedures and attention to quality offers customers a sense of security. As a Level 3 SQF certified supplier, we strictly adhere to HACCP-based safety and quality management systems across our entire operation.
Smitty Bee takes food safety seriously. Our many years of experience at hand selecting raw product ensures our customers we are selling the highest quality honey with an esteemed level of food safety. All of our suppliers are certified by the Food Defense Program and subjected to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) testing at independent labs with third party inspectors. Our honey has been recognized as kosher by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, and our facility is certified organic.
Our suppliers undergo a strict approval process and certification process, and we pride ourselves on strong, long-term relationships with trusted partners. Furthermore, our comprehensive testing procedures and 100% lot testing protocols ensure proof of authenticity and offer our customers a sense of security.
From blends to single source varietals, Smitty Bee will take the time to work with you to achieve the perfect custom honey for your product needs. Whether it’s a certain color, flavor or country of origin, we will meet your specifications. Smitty Bee Honey is 100% pure Grade A, and we have the capability to produce and package certified organic and kosher honeys. We offer a variety of innovative packaging options and design support to give your product shelf presence.
The business has come a long way since LaVern "Smitty" Schmitz's father-in-law purchased a simple beekeeper's starter kit in the 1920s. LaVern's son, Doug Schmitz, started marketing the company's products as Smitty Bee Honey in 1989. Soon after, Doug began packaging honey for retail distribution while also producing honey. In 1991, the company purchased a small building on Main Avenue in Defiance, Iowa, and started marketing honey to fruit markets, apple orchards and small grocery stores.