Meet the Beekeeper at Fairmont Empress

Fredrich's Honey has been producing Vancouver Island honey, pollen and propolis since 1966. Master Beekeeper Theo Fredrich Sr. has been keeping bees for over 60 years and is as passionate today as when he began beekeeping.

Theo Sr. is also proud to have his son, Theo Jr. join him in his life's passion. Theo Jr. has worked on the bee farm for many a beekeeping season, but 2 years ago he came to beekeeping and Fredrich's Honey full time. Theo Sr. has been beekeeping professionally for over 63 years. Starting off as an apprentice in Germany, he studied and worked with bees from around the including Africanized bees in South America. His interest for bees has not waivered and he still finds himself learning more every time he opens up a hive. His passion for bees and the wonderful things they create is directly reflected in the end products we produce. Theo Jr. grew up surrounded by bees, honey and the beauty of Vancouver Island, not to mention a house in the shape of a bee cell (hexagon). His love for nature and bees and desire to produce natural, healthy and affordable food is what lured him back to the family business.

Fredrich's Honey takes extreme care in handling, production and storage of the beehive products to ensure that they arrive at your table as nature intended. The honey and pollen are 100% natural to enjoy just as Mother Nature intended. There is absolutely no waste from the beehive; everything is used to create something wonderful. All of the products that Theo produces are enjoyed in his own home daily.

The Fairmont Empress has been harvesting onsite honey since 2011 and over 1 million honeybees produce about 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms) of honey annually. The hotel jars the honey, offered for purchase in the Fairmont Store onsite. The hotel partnered with local craft beer maker, Hoyne Brewing Company, to produce Summer Haze Honey Hefe wheat ale, served on The Veranda and Bengal Lounge, and sold in stores on Vancouver Island. Executive Chef Morgan Wilson adds Royal Tea service to the hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea, which includes a serving of three local cheeses, a glass of port and warm honey served from the hive table side in the Tea Room, available May to September. For more information on Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress, visit www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/.