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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Martin James of Slide Ridge Honey would be the first to tell you his bees are healthier than ever, and it shows. He's made nutrition for bees his top focus, researching what nutrition would be best to help the bees be stronger. This strategy has been successful since honey is a byproduct of a healthy hive, and last year's honey crop was one of his largest yet.
Martin is in the process of getting this crop of pure raw honey from Northern Utah into even more retail outlets. He says eating locally produced honey is smart because it helps build immunity to common allergens from around the area. You can already find Slide Ridge Honey products on the shelves in retail outlets around the country, like Whole Foods where their products have been available for several years. They were even selected as the product of the month at one point. Right now they're working to develop new business relationships, like Harmons
Slide Ridge Honey remains one of only three companies in the world producing honey wine vinegar. It took Martin seven years to perfect the vinegar-making process, which he learned through trial and error. To make just one batch takes two years, but it remains an important line of business for the company. They've added few new flavors to their selection of honey wine vinegar, including green chili and dark malt vinegar.
Today, Martin says the key to being profitable as a commercial beekeeper is diversification. Honey is only 8 percent of their total production, with honey wine vinegar as their second top line of business and the rest as pollination. In addition to taking their bees to pollinate the almond orchards in California during the winter, Martin says they also rent hives out to farmers for their crops.
In recognition of their success, the Small Business Administration selected Slide Ridge for a Utah District Rural Small Business Award for 2015.
For over 140 years, Zions Bank has been providing value to the communities we serve. Member FDIC.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Slide Ridge Honey 475 E. 250 South Mendon, UT 84325 435-752-4956 www.slideridge.com
