Local Hive moves honey lineup into foodservice

Local Hive is expanding beyond retail with chef-focused honey products for restaurants nationwide. The lineup includes hot honey, honey hot sauce and U.S.-sourced raw honey aimed at menu applications and front-of-house use.

Why it matters: - Local Hive is targeting foodservice operators with premium honey formats that can add sweet-heat flavor, table appeal and menu flexibility. - The products are positioned to help restaurants upgrade dishes and tabletop service with honey sourced from American beekeepers.

What happened: - Local Hive introduced a foodservice lineup built around hot honey, honey hot sauce and 100% U.S. raw and unfiltered honey. - The products are designed for nationwide operators and are now being marketed for restaurant and chef use. - Cale Nelson, chief commercial officer of Local Hive, said the company is using its 100-year history in honey to expand into foodservice.

The details: - Original Hot Honey uses raw and unfiltered honey as the first ingredient and adds jalapeño heat. - Local Hive says Original Hot Honey can be used on grilled meats, vegetables, cocktails, pizza, biscuits and fried chicken. - Original Hot Honey is available in 1/2-gallon buckets and 9-ounce bottles. - Original Honey Hot Sauce pairs American honey with red jalapeno, white distilled vinegar, garlic and onion. - Local Hive says Original Honey Hot Sauce is suited for chicken, vegetables, egg dishes, sandwiches and bowls. - Original Honey Hot Sauce is available in 1/2-gallon buckets and 6-ounce bottles. - 100% U.S. Raw & Unfiltered Honey is lightly strained to preserve pollen and floral flavor. - The tabletop honey is sourced exclusively from American beekeepers. - 100% U.S. Raw & Unfiltered Honey comes in 12-ounce Honey Bear bottles, single-serve packets and 80-ounce jugs. - Nelson said Local Hive is the No. 1 honey brand in natural food stores and No. 2 in MULO, based on SPINS data for the latest 52 weeks ending 7/12/26. - For pricing and distribution, the company directs buyers to sales@localhivehoney.com.

Between the lines: - Local Hive is leaning into the broader demand for sweet-heat flavors, which have become common across restaurant menus and beverages. - The move also gives the brand a way to compete beyond retail by offering formats that fit both back-of-house cooking and front-of-house service.

What's next: - Foodservice operators interested in the lineup can contact Local Hive for pricing and distribution details. - The brand is likely to use its retail recognition to build a larger presence in restaurant kitchens and on tabletops.

The bottom line: - Local Hive is turning its honey business into a foodservice pitch built around versatility, premium sourcing and sweet-spicy flavor.