Our History
Our Journey
A family passion, a Tasmanian legacy. From humble beginnings to sharing Tasmanian honey with the world, our journey has always been about people, bees and a commitment to quality.
1955 – 1995
1955
Reuben Charles and his wife Beryl expanded production to some 1,600 hives, growing the business into a major Tasmanian bulk honey producer.
1960
Blue Hills became the first Australian firm to export honey to Japan.
1995
Reuben Charles was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to beekeeping.
Hon. Sir Guy Green (left) presenting Reuben Charles the OAM.
1996 – 2010
1996
Robbie Charles began managing the business.
2003
Robbie Charles married Nicola, who took on the roles of Business Manager, Sales and Marketing.
2004
Established a packaging facility for retail and export markets.
Became the first Australian producer to introduce B-QUAL, the industry-initiated quality program based on HACCP principles.
2007
Gained Halal accreditation.
2008
Blue Hills discovered active Leptospermum honey in Tasmania.
Organic accreditation with Organic Food Chain 0498 and USDA 0498, and an organic range launched.
2009
Launched a new line: Tasmanian Manuka Honey.
Facilitated independent testing of active honey in Australia by a Tasmanian laboratory, using the HPLC method developed at Dresden University, Germany.
2010
Founding member of the Tasmanian Active Honey Group.
2011 – Today
2011
Opened a new high-grade honey packing facility and warehouse.
Robbie and Nicola Charles both elected to the Tasmanian Beekeepers executive.
2012
Appointed a dedicated Exports Manager.
2013
Expanded the processing facility.
2018
Added a cool store and more warehouse space.
2019
Released our botanical lines of honey.
Opened the cafe, interpretation centre and gift store, and expanded the packing room and offices.
Present
The Story Continues
More than seven decades after Reuben and Beryl began their journey, Blue Hills Honey remains focused on the future.
But always with the same respect for bees, Tasmania and the honey they produce.
The story began in 1955.
And it continues today.
From Our Family to Yours
Visit the farm, explore the interpretation centre and stop for lunch at The Colony Cafe.
