Iconic business changes hands

For 108-years it has sweetened mealtimes across the country, a honey company cared for by the same Marlborough family for decades.

A new era has begun as Murray and Peter Bush step away from J Bush & Sons Honey, bringing the connection between family and business to a close.

But for the Bush family, finding new owners Matt and Sarah Goldsworthy has helped take the sting out of leaving the beloved company behind.

While Murray says the decision to hand over the family business wasn’t taken lightly, he’s pleased to keep the honey flowing for their farmers and consumers in the hands of a passionate team.

“I’ve been involved for 35 years, and Peter has been for 42, but loyalty to and from host farmers over the last up to 70 years has been a huge driving force, and they’re all glad to see the connections continue.

We’ve all put a lot of work into this place, so to see it continue was key for everyone.

“Finding people like Matt and Sarah who have the skills and the energy to take it over was what we were after, and while the industry may be in tough times it’s fantastic to have a keen team at the helm.

“It’s really nice to know we have found continuity for farmers and customers, and a more than capable family team keen to take on the challenge, so it’s a win-win all around”.

J Bush & Sons began producing honey in 1916, when Murray and Peter’s grandfather Horace Bush found that bees in Marlborough’s bush and high-country meadows produced world-class honey.

Currently, the business produces five different varietals of honey, from hives situated on supporting farmer’s lands.

And Matt Goldsworthy aims to ensure long standing relationships with suppliers and customers remain crucial to the brand he is now responsible for.

Matt, who began beekeeping at Taylor Pass Honey nine years ago before starting Kiwi Queens in Tapawera, says taking over an established honey brand is a huge opportunity.

“I remember having Bush Molesworth Honey in the cupboard for a long time as a kid.

“…Loving the product, wanting to see the brand continue, and having gone up to the Molesworth and the Awatere to meet suppliers, has been a great introduction to the business.

“It’s great to go from one family business to another.

“I’ll be the face of the place and continue Bush Honey’s face-to-face relationships - which my old man taught me is so incredibly important.

“Sarah, whose family is all here in Marlborough, is looking forward to working with an established, locally focused brand.”

The fill-your-own facility on Old Renwick Road will be closing its doors, however Matt says they have plans in action to keep locals supplied.

“It’s been quite astounding to see the different kinds of jars people have been bringing in, but for now we’ll be based out of the Saturday Rotary Market at the train station.

“We’re going through Council approvals to get a fill-your-own shop back up and running, then hopefully diversify our labels and find a proper premises.”