It was good to see a bee-themed company on this week’s Dragon Den. I’ve been following the progress of Joe and Andy from Just Bee Drinks since I helped them out with some market research feedback a couple of years ago. Joe’s dad and grandad were beekeepers and he grew up adding honey to his tea. This gave him the idea for a honey sweetened rather than the usual sugary or artificially sweetened drink. Just Bee Drinks are now for sale in national retailers like Boots, Waitrose and Holland & Barrett.
It was interesting to hear the dragons’ feedback. Deborah Meaden said “It’s very personal but I don’t actually like the taste. It’s slightly antiseptic” and a couple of the other dragons agreed with her. I’m now curious to try one to see for myself!
Colony collapse was also brought up by Deborah, who wanted to make sure the honey wasn’t coming from intensively farmed bees. The duo reassured her that all of the beekeepers who supply the honey are completely ethical and leave the colonies enough honey for winter.
You can catch up with the show on the BBC website and find out whether the pair got the investment they were after. Joe and Andy have also blogged about their experience on the show: Dragons Den: our story. Let’s hope more bee-themed business ideas are featured in the future!
Adventuresinbeeland's Blog 
Doesn’t work for us here in the U.S. Hopefully it went well. I enjoyed the “our story” blog, how interesting how long it took to make it onto the show and how much time before it actually aired.
LikeLike
Sorry yes, the show won’t work outside the UK. They were made an offer by one of the Dragons (Peter Jones) but decided not to take it as the equity percentage he wanted was too high.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, thanks for the spoilers! Based on their success that sounds like it was the right decision. What a great product in this age of heightened health awareness. I hope they do well with it and make to the United States at some point (the drink, not the show). We have a show called Shark Tank that sounds a bit similar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish them well. I think it could do well in France as they are very into their “apero” and non-alcoholic options are always on offer. Amelia
LikeLike
Thanks Amelia. I hadn’t realised the French were into drinking anything other than wine!
LikeLike
Pingback: ‘Just Bee’ honey drinks on Dragons Den | Raising Honey Bees
Pingback: ‘Just Bee’ honey drinks on Dragons Den | How To Raise Bees