IT'S a very sweet start to the year for award-winning Newtown honey producer, Hilltop Honey, as the business secures three new product listings with retail giant, Sainsbury’s.

Since Sunday, January 14, shoppers can now pick up a jar of Hilltop Honey Lavender Honey, Orange Blossom Honey and Thyme Honey direct from the shelves across 343 Sainsburys stores nationwide.

The three products are stocked in 227g jars and will double Hilltop Honey’s complete product listing with Sainsbury’s to six, after the business gained a contract two years ago to supply its Organic Acacia Honey, Organic Multiflower Honey and Cut-comb in Acacia Honey into the retailer

In 2017 the business increased production, moved into expanded premises doubled it's staff to 20 and made significant investments in automated technology and staff.

In just six years since being created the company has now established itself as one of the UK’s leading premium honey brands.

Scott Davies of Hilltop Honey said the three new product listings with Sainsbury’s could amount to 78,000 jars annually and will be a significant injection into Hilltop Honey’s growth and sustainability.

He said; “As a small but growing, ambitious and determined team, we’re extremely delighted to be gaining profile at such a high level.

"We’re supplying thousands of jars of honey every day to major retail UK wide as well as cracking international markets."

Hilltop honey products can be found in China, Hong Kong, United States of America, Pakistan, South Africa, Japan, the Middle East and across Europe.

Scott added: “It is with great pride that we are launching three additional lines into Sainsbury’s including our Lavender, Orange Blossom and Thyme – all of which form part of our honeys of the world collection.

"We already have a proven record with Sainsbury’s shoppers, with repeat purchasing remaining high, so we’re confident these new additions will offer consumers a premium, quality product with exceptional taste.”

As a foodie nation, UK consumers are increasingly showing an awareness towards natural, unrefined foods, with an attention towards sugar free alternatives. This presents a real opportunity for honey as a natural substitute to sugar.

For the breakfast market, honey is an area of growth and can add real value.

Scott concludes: “Working with such a credible retailer as Sainsbury’s adds value to our product and brand - we’re extremely excited to be developing our business relationship further. "