A local company that produces something sweet is expanding.
Mike and Pam Davidson will celebrate the grand opening of Summer's Gold Honey Company in Merlin on December 1.
The company has been shipping their products to local grocery stores and have promoted themselves through agricultural events and farmers markets, but their location in Merlin will offer the company a permanent home and an opportunity to expand their reach.
Davidson said he first got involved in the honey industry when he was young but had to leave due to certain circumstances.
Bee colonies. (Photo courtesy of Summer's Gold Honey Company/ via Facebook).
"When the opportunity presented itself again a couple of years ago, I jumped on it," he said. "As for [picking a location in] Merlin, that really came down to being able to buy the right piece of property for the right price. But we have really felt welcome by the community and it has been a wonderful experience."
Davidson said they are also seeking to become federally regulated so that they can ship their products to more locations.
"We are already available in about 30 stores, packing under the Ontario regulations," he said. "The federal regulations under the Canada Food Inspection Agency are more strict but they open up the doors to other places.
"We haven't yet started to get involved in pollination for hire but that's an important aspect of many types of agriculture," he said. "We'll be working hand-in-hand with a lot of the producers."
The company currently sells everything from honey itself, to candles and lip balm. However, anything they don't have stocked could be, if a request is made.
"If we aren't currently offering it and you would like to see it offered, absolutely feel free to tell me," said Davidson.
The new store is located at 101 William St. in Merlin. Davidson said all are welcome for the grand opening December 1, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.