The ApiSolutions Consortium is committed to promoting excellence in honey and hive products. We honor the expert craftsmen and women who have graciously shared their knowledge and allowed us to work and learn beside them. We are proud to hold Welsh Honey Judge certification from the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (now offering Florida Judge Certification) and are also experienced in traditional American methods of honey judging. We have supported honey shows as judges, stewards, show superintendents, and more in many places including Northern Ireland, in the UK at The National, at the Eastern Apicultural Society, and honey shows in DC, NJ, MD, DE, WV, VA including children’s 4-H honey shows. We appreciate your efforts in promoting the craft and look forward to seeing your product on the show bench!
Honey Shows have a long history in the United States. One of the oldest and largest show in the united States is the Beekeeping and Honey Show at the Topsfield Fair held annually since 1844 in collaboration with the Essex County Beekeeper’s Association in Massachusetts. Learn a little about this fair and see historical photos here: https://topsfieldfairhistory.org/exhibits/beekeeping-2/
Photo Credit: Kieran Harnett
Other notable honey shows include the Minnesota State Fair Bee and Honey Show, which has been the largest show in the county; the Georgia Beekeepers Association Honey Show which boasts thousands of dollars of prize money, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show Apiary Show as well as honey shows held annually at the American Bee Federation Annual Conference and the Eastern Apicultural Society Annual Conference. Most recently (2023) the Hive Life honey show was likely the 2nd largest show in the county with over 500 entries. The National Honey Show held annually in the UK is a sight to behold for any serious honey show enthusiast and this annual show boasts thousands of entries. The first National Show of Bees & Honey was held in 1923 at the original Crystal Palace, Sydenham, London. A brief history of the show can be found described by Bee Culture. Many of these honey show websites include historical lists of winners of each of the various show classes.
Honey Show Links
Honey Shows by Ann Harman
Planning a Honey Show by Ann Harman
What is a Honey Show by Ann Harman
Honey Shows Can Be Exciting Events by Jennifer Holmes and Karla Eisen
Ohio State Fair- Early 1900’s
Top Photo Credit: Kieran Harnett