Our First Fieldays Exhibiting, And What a Week It Was

Gorgeous weather through the entire week, had people commenting on how it was the best in recent memory

This year marked our first time exhibiting at Fieldays (their 58th on record), and it turned out to be everything we hoped for and then some. Officially 132,000 people through the gate (up 20% on last year), with plenty visiting our stand across the four days. We had more conversations than we could count, and a genuine sense that the future of honey is looking up.

We came ready to talk apiculture, rural life, and where the industry is heading. What we didn't quite expect was just how many different people wanted to talk it through with us. Over the week we chatted with farmers, beekeepers, landowners, kids, teenagers, scientists - even the odd diplomat. Turns out Fieldays really is for everyone.

Some of the conversations we valued most were with people from the rural sector who were keen to explore how honey production could help them diversify their land. There's real curiosity out there about putting mānuka to work - turning parts of a property that aren't doing much into something productive - and it was a privilege to talk through what that might look like.

And then there was the putting. Our "Read the Green" challenge got a serious workout, with well over 300 attempts across the four days. Fewer than 20 people managed to sink it, mind you - so it was no gimme. The competition winner will be announced shortly, so keep an eye out.

A couple of other highlights: our Bees Favour honey was so well received it very nearly sold out, and the Wai Mānuka sparkling drink was a firm fan favourite over the week.

Logan Bowyer presenting at the 2026 Fieldays Tent Talks series

On Day One, our own Logan Bowyer took to the Fieldays Tent Talks stage to share his perspective on the future of mānuka - and why we believe the best years for the industry are still ahead. It was our take on where honey production is heading: the structural shifts already underway, where the real opportunity sits, and why standing still simply isn't an option. It certainly landed well with the room, with many heading to our stand straight after to discuss those key topics further.

Now, while some in the industry will take a well-earned breather before the next harvest, we're already looking ahead to our Open Day on Friday 24 July - where we'll be announcing some big moves for the Manuka Orchard team. If you'd like to come along, get in touch to register.

Last but not least, a huge thank you to the whole crew. To Pennie and Dean for the long hours manning the stand, the kids Chloe ad Joel for helping out, to Rob for bringing the designs to life, and to everyone who held the fort back home while we were away for the week.

We'll definitely be back next year.

The Manuka Orchard Dream Team

The sun setting on our first Fieldays