1. Purpose of the Competition
The Honey Competition aims to celebrate and showcase the quality, diversity, and craftsmanship of locally produced honey. The competition is open to eligible beekeepers and is designed to be fair, educational, and enjoyable for both entrants and judges.
2. Eligibility
- The competition is open to financial members of the Derwent Valley Beekeepers Association, or anyone who has paid the entry fee.
- All honey must be produced by the entrant within Tasmania.
- Honey must be harvested during the current or previous beekeeping season.
- Commercially blended or imported honey is not permitted.
3. Classes / Categories
Entries will be judged within the following classes (subject to entry numbers):
- Leatherwood Honey
- Prickly Box honey
- Wildflower honey
The DVBA Committee reserves the right to merge or split classes depending on the number of entries received.
4. Entry Limits
- Each entrant may submit only one (1) entry per class/category.
- Each entry must be from a separate batch of honey.
5. Entry Containers & Presentation
- Honey must be submitted in clear, glass jars.
- Jar size: a minimum of 250 grams
- Quantity: two (2) jars per class
- Jars must be clean and free from chips or cracks, filled to an even and appropriate level and properly sealed with a clean lid.
- No decorative jars, labels, or branding are permitted.
6. Labelling Requirements
Each entry must be labelled with:
- An entry number (provided by organisers)
- A coloured sticker that represents the class/category
No identifying marks, names, or hive locations may appear on the jar. Entries are judged blind.
7. Entry Delivery
- Both jars for each class/category must be delivered to the nominated location in New Norfolk before the entry closing date, as advertised on the DVBA website.
- Deliveries received after the closing date are ineligible for judging and will not be included in the competition.
- Entrants will be notified of the delivery address after submitting their entry.
8. Entry Fees
- An entry fee may apply and will be set by the DVBA Committee.
- All entry fees are non-refundable.
9. Judging Process
- All entries will be judged using the official Honey Competition Judging Sheet.
- Judging will be conducted blind, with judges unaware of the entrant’s identity.
- The judging panel may include experienced beekeepers, food professionals, and invited community representatives.
- Judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. Judging Criteria
All entries will be judged using the official Honey Competition Judging Criteria. Honey will be assessed on:
- Appearance
- Aroma
- Flavour
- Texture and mouthfeel
- Overall balance and impression
Each entry will be awarded out of a total of 100 points.
11. Expert Judging Awards
- First, Second, and Third Place will be awarded in each class (subject to quality).
- Judges may withhold awards if entries do not meet an acceptable standard.
12. People’s Choice Award
- A People’s Choice Award will be awarded based on public tasting and voting.
- Members of the public may sample a limited number of entries.
- Voting will be conducted anonymously.
- The DVBA Committee may withhold awards if entries do not meet an acceptable standard.
13. Disqualification
Entries may be disqualified if:
- The honey shows signs of fermentation or contamination;
- The honey has been overheated or excessively processed;
- Presentation or labelling rules are not followed; and,
- The entry does not meet eligibility requirements.
14. Ownership & Disposal of Entries
- Honey remains the property of the entrant.
- Honey can be collected at the end of the Honey Bee Festival.
- Unclaimed entries may be used for display, education, or disposal at the discretion of the DVBA Committee.
15. Acceptance of Rules
Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of these rules and all decisions made by the DVBA Committee.
These rules are intended to promote fairness, consistency, and a positive learning experience for all participants.