Blue Hive Bees began as a retirement hobby for owner and operator Philip Arenburg after an over 40-year career at Michelin. An outdoorsman by heart and a love of learning led to purchasing four hives in 2014 in preparation for his retirement. Today that number has grown to over 100 hives (and counting!) and can be found within the neighbouring communities of Branch LaHave around Lunenburg County.

 

Philip has been a registered Beekeeper with the Nova Scotia Beekeepers Association since obtaining his first hives and is now a mentor for prospective beekeepers for Lunenburg County. Honey production began in 2014. The honey is unpasteurized and has a wildflower component, giving it an amber colour and full-bodied flavour. Blue Hive Bees honey can be purchased in six sizes.

 

With the introduction of more hives led to a growing wax collection, and at the suggestion of his wife, Christine, candle production began in 2018. Today, Blue Hive Bees sells nearly 50 shapes and sizes, with each candle hand-poured by Philip in his workspace.