From Hive to Market: The Sweet Success of Lone Star Bee Co. and Container & Packaging

In the vast expanse of the Lone Star State, where everything is bigger and bolder, a new venture buzzed into existence. What began as a modest hobby for Nicki and Mark soon transformed into the flavorful phenomenon known as Lone Star Bee Co. Their mission? To infuse everyday foods with the rich, nuanced flavors of their small batch, handcrafted honeys. But even the most delectable honey needs the right vessel to shine. Enter Container and Packaging, a partnership that has been as sweet as honey itself since 2016.

The Spark of a Sweet Idea

Nicki and Mark's journey into the world of beekeeping started as a way to spend more time outdoors, enjoy a shared hobby, and create something meaningful together. But what started as a weekend pastime soon turned into something much bigger.

"We do everything by hand from beginning to end," Nicki shared. "Our infused honeys are very unique. We've come up with unique flavors that other people have not."

However, turning a passion into a business meant overcoming a major challenge: packaging. Finding the right containers to showcase their honey and a supplier who would work with a small but growing business was not easy.

The Quest for the Right Package

The first challenge for any small food manufacturing business is finding suppliers who believe in their vision. Lone Star Bee Co. reached out to several packaging companies, but they were quickly met with rejection.

“We reached out to several other packaging companies, and we quickly realized that most of them weren't interested in doing business with us because the volume we were talking about was way under their limits,” Nicki explained. “When we talked with Container and Packaging, we got a completely different response. With the challenges we had, they were able to resolve them for us."

Finding the Right Fit

Nicki and Mark didn’t just need bottles; they needed the right bottles. That’s where our packaging consultant, Ryan, came in.

Nicki recalled how crucial their consultant was in the process. “The moment we knew the packaging was right was with the help of our sales rep, Ryan. He was very involved with samples. He provided different ideas, different sizes, different vessels.”

After extensive sampling and testing, Lone Star Bee Co. landed on what they now call the 12-ounce cylinder bottle (B286). It was not just about aesthetics; it was about functionality. The bottle was great for dispensing honey, and with silk screen printing, they could create a polished, professional look that complemented their colorful flavor stickers.

By October 2016, their first SKU, Fiery Sweet Mesquite Honey, was printed and delivered. The following month, we helped bring their second SKU, Lucky Lime and Sea Salt Honey, to life. And in 2017, their third flavor, Blackland Prairie Wildflower Honey, hit the market. Each new launch was a testament to the seamless collaboration between Lone Star Bee Co. and Container and Packaging.

Growing Together

For Lone Star Bee Co., having a reliable packaging partner meant peace of mind. “We know we have a great partner with Container and Packaging when it comes to ordering bottles, and it means so much. There are so many other things to worry about, that’s one less thing we have to.”

As their business grew, so did their packaging needs. In 2020, they introduced their fourth SKU, Tuscan Blue Rosemary & Pepper Honey. Then, in 2022, they saw an opportunity in the market for a smaller version of their honeys. After another round of sampling and testing, they selected a 2-ounce jar (J033) that held 3 ounces of honey. These mini honeys launched in early 2022, available individually and in curated sets.

Through every iteration, every new product, and every expansion, we’ve worked alongside Lone Star Bee Co. to help meet their evolving packaging needs. Because we offer low minimum order quantities, we were able to support them as a small business, and as they scaled, we adapted to their growing packaging and logistical requirements. Whether it was expanding to new product sizes or increasing order volumes, they we able to focus on their business while we ensured they had the right packaging at every stage of their growth.

Nicki and Mark appreciated that their partnership with us wasn’t just transactional. "We felt Container and Packaging was making an investment in our company, allowing us to order small, but knowing that we could ramp up and grow as time would go."  

After nearly a decade of working together, their trust in us had only grown. “We've been working with Container and Packaging for nine, almost ten years, and never once has there been any kind of issue or concern. Never, not one time, have we been let down. Having a reliable partner and vendor like Container and Packaging means everything to us.”

A Partnership Built to Last

We are more than just a supplier, we are a partner in our customers’ success. Lone Star Bee Co. started with a simple dream to share their incredible infused honeys with the world. We are proud to have played our small role in turning their good idea into good packaging.