Barnes Naturals is a brand deeply rooted in tradition, founded on a commitment to sourcing nature’s finest honey. As one of the oldest honey brands in Australia, our story began in 1876 in regional Victoria. It was there that two brothers — James and Fred Barnes—turned their passion for quality into a pioneering venture, opening a small shop in St Kilda, Melbourne, for just five shillings a week.
What began as a way to help their cousins in the beekeeping trade pack their excess honey soon grew into a trusted name, renowned for its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. By 1915, their efforts had already garnered recognition from the Richmond Guardian, which praised the Barnes brothers for their innovative approach and devotion to bringing nature’s best to their customers.
Today, we continue to honour this legacy with the same care and expertise that has defined Barnes Naturals for 149 years. Our range of Manuka honey, floral honey, and apple cider vinegar reflect our unwavering commitment to sourcing and crafting products that capture the essence of nature.
At Barnes Naturals, our mission is simple: to bring you the finest natural products, crafted with care and grounded in a timeless tradition of trust, authenticity, and excellence.
We strive to uphold the holistic values that set the foundations for our company back in 1876. Our commitment to creating products that are both good for consumers and gentle on the environment drives every decision we make. This dedication is why we proudly pack our Australian products in line with The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). APCO, a co-regulatory, not-for-profit organisation, works to reduce the harmful impact of packaging on the environment. To align with these principles, we ensure that our packaging is food-safe, BPA-free PET.
In 2023, we made significant strides toward more sustainable practices, including transitioning to carbon black-free lids throughout our Australian Manuka honey range. This initiative prevented approximately 2.2 tonnes of black PP caps from being produced and ultimately sent to landfill. Moreover, we incorporated Oysterlean into our Australian Manuka honey lids—a bio-renewable substitute derived from marine waste, such as seashells. With a carbon footprint approximately five times lower than traditional plastics like PE and PP, Oysterlean reflects our innovative approach to reducing environmental impact.
Building on these efforts, we also prioritized increasing the use of recycled materials across our product lines. In 2023, we transitioned our amber PET jars for our Australian Manuka honey range to being made from 100% recycled plastic while our Apple Cider Vinegar bottles moved to incorporate 30% recycled plastic. These advancements showcase our unwavering commitment to reducing waste, supporting circular economies, and fostering a greener future for generations to come.