Honey | Natural Glamour
Nature’s harvest It’s drawn up by bees, stored in their stomachs, regurgitated, dehydrated then covered in wax – but don’t be fooled by its unappetising method of creation – honey, the by-product of this process has numerous health benefits. Natural antibiotics A Blenheim based beauty products company has taken advantage of honey’s natural goodness in its products. The Honey Collection, as it is aptly called, uses Active Manuka Honey with the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) as its key ingredient. UMF certification guarantees that the honey contains high levels of the beneficial anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties, which gives the honey its special qualities. Company general manager Georgia Devlin, says as a member of the UMF group its products are guaranteed.
Skin health As a company, The Honey Collection prides itself on manufacturing a high quality range of skin products at an affordable price. “Our range markets from $5-$55,” Georgia says. “All ingredients are selected to compliment and aid the beneficial effects of honey, to repair and revitalise skin tissue, help reduce ageing and over exposure to wind and sun.” Georgia recommends in particular, its biggest selling products, remedial creams, for people with eczema, cracked heels, leg ulcers, acne, psoriasis and wounds. “It’s good for improving skin and it helps reduce scarring. We have had a lot of positive feedback.”
A home-grown company Georgia says it is the company’s personal touch that has made it the success it is today. “Our wonderful products are handmade, a lot of care is gone into them and because the products work it has kept our business going.”
The Honey Collection range was first developed by founder, Jean Coombe, 20 years ago in her Auckland kitchen. Jean, who is now 84, began to develop these products using natural ingredients to combat her own sensitive skin. After seeing the tremendous benefits the creams had on her skin, she branched out, selling the products within the small craft market clientele. Her son, Nick Coombe, took over the reins in 1996 and when it out-grew its Auckland base they moved to Blenheim in 2002. Today he continues to run the company while manufacturing all its products himself. But though Jean handed the reins over to her son, Georgia says she is still fully involved with the business, in particular with the development of new products. “She’s our guinea pig,” she jokes. Though there is truth in her words as the company prides itself on animal-free testing of its products.
An expanding export market It’s a company which despite its small beginnings has out-grown the New Zealand market, with deals as far afield as America, Europe and Asia. “We estimate sales of around 500k a year with our new Korean distributors,” Georgia says. “I’m constantly being approached by potential buyers.”
Claim to fame Three years ago the company also began experimenting with bee venom, which is said to be a wonder-drug for arthritis and wrinkles. It’s an intricate process, which requires giving the bee a tiny electric shock, sufficient enough to stimulate it into giving half a sting – rather than a full fatal sting.
The Honey Collection has done its own take on the widely popular Bee-venom cream which has been linked to The Duchess of Cambridge. Georgia says, as they go from success to success the future for the company has simply opened up, “It’s unlimited!”
Honey properties at a glance • moisturising • anti-aging • anti-oxidising
Pleased to be associated with
The Honey Collection
• Active Manuka Honey • Royal Nectar Skin Care • NectarEase • NelsonGold Bee Pollen • Berryfruit and Manuka Honey • Pure NZ Honey • Essential Oils • Manuka Soaps • Manuka Mouthwash 276 State Highway 6, RD2 Nelson Freephone: 0800 289 992 Email: info@nelsonhoney.com
•Antioxidants •Biocides & preservatives •Butters •Carrier (fixed) oils •Colloidal agents •Emulsifiers •Essential oils •Herbal extracts •Waxes
Pleased to be associated with The Honey Collection PH: 09-834-0446 | Fax: 09-834-0448 Email: info@pureingredients.co.nz www.pureingredients.co.nz
12 | Autumn 2012 www.awarenesstoday.co.nz
• anti-inflammatory • anti-acne • anti-biotic • anti-bacterial
The Honey Collection 74 Grove Road Blenheim T (03) 578 6303 www.honeycollection.co.nz