HiveIQ makes polystyrene (EPS) beehives that last five times longer than traditional wooden hives. Photo: Facebook.
A Canberra beekeeping business that has only been selling its product overseas for 18 months has been named ACT Exporter of the Year 2024 at the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards.
“We had only entered in the emerging exporters category because we are such a young company … I was absolutely shocked when we took out the main award,” HiveIQ general manager Zavier Croker said.
The Mitchell-based company manufactures and exports beehives using advanced materials, sensors and software to ensure thriving bee colonies year-round.
“We started off as a small operation using traditional wooden hives,” Mr Croker said.
“We were pretty unsatisfied with the results we were getting. We had a pretty bad winter in 2010; all the colonies died out and starved. That’s when we discovered insulated beehives, which we started manufacturing ourselves.
“Our hives are made out of high-density polystyrene. The main benefit is it’s around seven times more insulated than a wooden hive … it gives them more energy to forage and keep the hives clean. The product also lasts for 25 years, compared to about five to 10 years for wooden hives.”
Their hives were only being sold domestically until they met some prospective American buyers at the Hive Life conference in January 2023.
“We attended to socialise the product and get some feedback. The reception was incredible, people were literally handing out their credit cards to buy them … we now ship 500 hives a week to the USA and have also started exporting to Canada,” Mr Croker said.
“We are also seeking grants for funding to expand our export business.”
HiveIQ’s product enables healthier bees. Photo: Facebook.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr was impressed.
“I congratulate CEO Victor Croker [Zavier’s father] and the HiveIQ team for this significant achievement as they continue to create buzz among apiarists in Australia and around the world,” he said.
“HiveIQ’s technology is making beekeeping easier and more efficient for its customers, from hobbyists to large businesses … the fact an emerging exporter has been named ACT Exporter of the Year is a testament to HiveIQ’s early success.
“I also wish to congratulate the other businesses recognised at this year’s ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards. These businesses continue to promote Canberra on the world stage, showcasing our city’s innovation and creativity to an international audience.”
This year’s category winners are:
- ACT Exporter of the Year: HiveIQ
- Emerging Exporter: HiveIQ
- Resources and Energy: Ardexa
- Small Business: Folktale
- Creative Industries: Eggpicnic
- e-Commerce: mHITs (Rocket Remit)
- ACT Promising Exporter: BoomBox Industries
- ACT Promising Exporter: PPB Technology
Winners of the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards become national finalists at the Australian Export Awards.
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