The Derwent Valley Beekeepers Association invites Tasmanian beekeepers to take part in the Tasmanian Honey Competition, a new feature of the Honey Bee Festival in New Norfolk on 19 April 2026.
This competition celebrates the diversity, quality, and uniqueness of Tasmanian honey, from backyard hives to commercial operations. Whether your honey is multi-floral or floral-specific, this is your opportunity to showcase it to experts, the public, and the wider community.
Two Ways to Win
Expert Judging Awards
All entries will be judged blind by a panel of invited experts, with awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. The judging panel may include experienced beekeepers, local chefs, and well-known community figures, bringing a mix of technical expertise and public interest.
People’s Choice Award
Festival patrons will also get their say! Members of the public will be invited to taste a selection of entries in exchange for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going directly to DVBA. Tasters will vote for their favourite honey, and the most popular entry will take out the People’s Choice Award.
Honey Categories
To keep the competition simple and showcase the best of Tasmanian honey, entries will be grouped into three main categories:
Leatherwood Honey
Unique to Tasmania, this honey comes from Leatherwood blossoms, usually sourced by commercial beekeepers. It has a distinctive flavour and aroma that highlights the state’s special flora.
Prickly Box Honey
A rich, robust honey from the blossoms of the Tasmanian Prickly Box tree. Known for its darker colour and bold, earthy flavour, it reflects the unique character of Tasmania’s native landscapes.
Wildflower Honey
A blended honey sourced from a variety of Tasmanian flowers, perfect for backyard or casual beekeepers. Its colour, aroma, and flavour vary depending on the mix, offering a delicious taste of Tasmania’s diverse flora.
These categories allow us to celebrate both Tasmania’s iconic honeys while welcoming backyard beekeepers, making judging easier and celebrating the state’s diverse honey flavours.
Why Enter the Competition?
- Showcase your honey to a wide audience
- Receive recognition from peers, experts, and the public
- Support DVBA fundraising efforts
- Be part of a fun, educational feature of the Honey Bee Festival
Whether you’re a long-time beekeeper or newer to the craft, this is a great opportunity to get involved and celebrate local honey.
What you Get When You Enter
- Professional Judging
Your honey will be assessed using clear judging criteria by an experienced panel. - Public Recognition
Winners will be announced during the Honey Bee Festival and celebrated as part of the event. - Promotion
Winners will be highlighted on the DVBA website and social media, and may even receive coverage from local media. - Networking
Connect with fellow beekeepers, chefs, food enthusiasts, and the wider Tasmanian community.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to anyone producing honey in Tasmania. Honey must be:
- Harvested during the 2025/26 season
- 100% pure
- Produced by the entrant
How to Enter
- Enter online using the form below. Entry is free for DVBA members!
- Review the full competition rules after entering
- Have two jars of honey ready to enter (minimum of 250 grams each with no labels)
- After submitting your entry, you’ll receive delivery instructions
- Honey must be delivered to a designated location in New Norfolk before entries close
Key Dates
- Entries close: Sunday 12 April 2026 (one week before the festival)
- Honey Bee Festival: 19 April 2026, The Esplanade, New Norfolk
- Winners announced: During the festival
Ready to Enter?
Complete the entry form below to be part of the Tasmanian Honey Competition and help showcase the incredible quality of honey produced across our state.