Only Hot As Heck (Not Hell) – How Local Hive Launched A Honey Hot Sauce

The Firebelly Social Show

Cale Nelson is the Chief Commercial Officer of Local Hive Honey, a brand with a century of heritage in producing 100% US local raw honey. With a keen focus on innovation and sustainability, Cale leads the brand's expansion into new product categories, including a line of honey-based hot sauces. He champions the importance of supporting local American beekeepers, both for quality products and for the essential role of pollinators in agriculture. By prioritizing consumer needs and leveraging extensive market research, Cale has driven Local Hive Honey to be a leading contender in the natural and conventional channels.

In this episode…

Imagine a world where every bite of food you enjoy is enriched with a century of sweetness, and the heat that tantalizes your taste buds carries a story of local pride and environmental stewardship. What if the zest on your plate also ensured a thriving future for essential pollinators, agricultural abundance, and local communities? How can one brand transform the condiment aisle while simultaneously preserving vital ecosystems?

Honey expert Cale Nelson delves into how a historic honey brand is spicing up the market with a line of mission-driven honey hot sauces. He discusses the unique approach Local Hive takes in combining regional honey varieties with corresponding local peppers, creating a product range that's both innovative and locally inspired. Through partnerships with organizations like Butterfly Pavilion's PACE program, Local Hive positively impacts pollinator conservation — all while delivering a flavorful kick to its dedicated customer base. Cale shares the brand's strategic approach to product development and marketing, emphasizing the importance of consumer research and selective retail partnerships.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Cale Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer of Local Hive Honey, about how Local Hive Honey is innovating within the food and beverage space. Cale shares insights into Local Hive's data-informed innovation strategy, the growing trend for approachable hot sauces and the forthcoming launch of Local Hive hot sauces in Whole Foods, the impact of foreign honey imports on US agriculture, and Local Hive's commitment to local beekeepers.