Beginning its operations in 1987, Hartnell & Associates Ltd brought to the beekeeping industry its ten years of experience in the international commerce of New Zealand food products, serving both established and developing markets all over the world. During the early years of the company's development, the European market—recognized as the top processor of added value within the global honey community—was the main area of attention.
Trade first concentrated on honey types like "Honeydew" and "Thyme" which were unpopular with native New Zealand consumers, but these lines were complemented by "White Clover" and "Comb Honey Products." Early in the 1990s, market opportunities had improved, New Zealand's market share had increased, and "organic" honey varieties had been introduced to the product line.


