Takapau is the main central hub of the business where all the honey is processed and packed in the purpose built factory. During the pollination season, Hawke’s Bay’s orchards are dotted with Kintail Honey hives. All other branches are also supported by the Takapau main office.
Wairarapa is managed by Bob Hall who has been with Kintail Honey since he was 16. James and Bob own this branch and Bob manages the day to day running with 7 staff. Kiwifruit, small seeds and honey production are the focus for this branch.
Based in Feilding, the Manawatu branch is now managed by another longstanding member of the Kintail staff, Brendon Holdem who holds shares along with other Kintail “family” members. Kiwifruit pollination and honey production is their forté.
Virgil Parlea (now a kiwi) came from Romania to join the Kintail Honey family and now manages Kintail Te Puke which acts as a logistics centre for all Kintail hives that are moved in and out during the Kiwifruit pollination season.
Kintail Honey is New Zealand’s largest honey harvester with over 12,000 hives scattered throughout the North island producing a large percentage of New Zealand’s domestic honey. You can find it in the supermarket under the breakfast aisle.