Over the past three years, Nate’s Hives–under the leadership of Sweet Harvest Foods–has grown into one of the largest beekeeping operations in the U.S. This milestone reflects a commitment to preserving the art of beekeeping while scaling up to meet the growing demand for natural, American honey. How did this milestone take shape? It started with a trusted relationship between Sweet River Honey and Nate’s Honey, owned by Sweet Harvest Foods. 

Sweet River Honey began as a beekeeping operation led by beekeeper Matt Halbgewachs. After years of executive positions in information security and consulting with Fortune 500 companies, Matt saw the potential of bringing his business acumen to running an apiary. Beekeeping runs deep in Matt’s family–generations of Halbgewachs have tended hives, harvested honey and passed down the wisdom of working with nature’s most industrious pollinators. Under Matt’s leadership, Sweet River Honey quickly became a leading apiary in the U.S. 

At the same time, Nate’s Honey was continuing to grow its position as the nation’s number-one branded honey with its iconic orange label. Nate’s Honey delivered on a promise of the highest-quality, best-tasting honey. To meet an unmatched level of care and precision that any honey bee would be proud of, Nate’s Honey worked with trusted beekeepers who shared its relentless pursuit for authentic, delicious honey, and that’s how Nate’s Honey and Sweet River Honey connected and established a trusted relationship early on. 

In 2023, Sweet River Honey joined forces with Nate’s Honey to launch Nate’s Hives, and Matt became president and head beekeeper. Focused on producing the highest-quality honey and understanding the opportunity scale would provide, Matt and his team at Nate’s Hives began growing its apiary through relationships with other leading beekeepers. In just three years, Nate’s Hives has grown into a collective of regional apiaries. Together, they’re creating something truly special: a legacy of American honey production that honors local expertise while embracing innovation. 

For Matt, Nate’s Hives combines the best of what beekeepers and innovation can offer–all so honey bees, beekeeping and the honey industry can thrive together. “I’ve always believed that good beekeeping starts with respect–for the honey bees, the land and the people who care for them,” Matt shared. “Being part of Nate’s Hives means we get to keep doing what we love but with more support, strong collaboration, critical research and a bigger impact. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s shaping the future of honey bee health, beekeeping practices and quality honey in the U.S.” 

That future is buzzing with possibility. As domestic honey yields face challenges and honey bees encounter new threats, Nate’s Hives is investing in science-led beekeeping to reverse those trends. By combining local knowledge with research and innovation, they’re working to improve honey bee colony health, increase honey yields and ensure that honey remains a trusted staple in American homes. 

What makes Nate’s Hives unique is its commitment to collaboration. Each acquisition brings in seasoned beekeepers who know their land and their honey bees best. Rather than replacing that wisdom, Nate’s Hives amplifies it–offering better equipment, stable distribution contracts and access to shared research that benefits the entire network. 

So the next time you enjoy a spoonful of Nate’s Honey, know that it carries the legacy of generations and apiaries like Sweet River Honey.

It’s a future built on shared knowledge, deep roots and a passion for doing the right thing. With every hive, every beekeeper and every bottle of honey, Nate’s Hives is shaping the next chapter of honey bees, beekeeping and American honey–one that’s grounded in tradition and driven by purpose.