Honoring a Legacy of Quality and Tradition
Adleys Honey is more than just a product—it’s a story steeped in history, quality, and Australian agricultural excellence. As a second-generation honey manufacturer, Adleys Honey draws its roots from the legacy of James Rutherford, an agricultural and transport pioneer, and the owner of Cobb & Co Coaches from 1861.
Cobb & Co is a name synonymous with pioneering spirit, transporting goods and people across the vast Australian landscape. The Rutherford family’s commitment to quality, service, and innovation set the foundation for Adleys Honey.
Drawing from the rich agricultural history of the Rutherford family, Adleys Honey is produced with the same dedication to quality and sustainability that James Rutherford instilled in his business operations of Cobb & Co Coaches over a century ago.
As a second-generation family business, Adleys Honey combines traditional methods with modern production techniques to deliver the highest quality honey while respecting the values of sustainability, purity, and craftsmanship.
Why We Do What We Do!
Our love for Australian produce.
Creating meals from homegrown or locally sourced ingredients not only enhances flavour but also fosters a deeper connection to the community and environment. Adleys Honey exemplifies this ethos by providing pure honey sourced directly from Australian beekeepers, allowing families to support local farmers while enjoying a delicious, natural product. This commitment to quality and local sourcing enriches both the culinary experience and community welfare.
Nurturing nature.
At Adleys Honey, we are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability, recognising the urgent need to address climate change, deforestation, and waterway mismanagement. Our mission is to run an environmentally responsible business that not only produces high-quality honey but also actively contributes to the preservation of our precious ecosystems. Through conscious practices and community engagement, we aim to protect and nurture the natural world that we cherish as avid nature lovers.
Looking to the future.
Our mission is to offer Australians sustainably sourced raw honey, reflecting our commitment to determination, hard work, and optimism. We take pride in delivering a product that not only delights our customers but also aligns with our values of family first, sustainability and quality. By nurturing this business, we aim to create a legacy that can be passed down through generations, ensuring that our love for honey continues to thrive in the hearts of future families and our three beautiful boys.
A Stroll Through Time – The Rutherford Story
1860’s – The era of Cobb & Co.
James Rutherford, an American-born entrepreneur, revitalised Cobb & Co stagecoaches after unsuccessful ventures in mining and timber milling, leveraging his exceptional organisational skills and horsemanship to transform the company into a hallmark of Australian heritage. Under his leadership as General Manager, the headquarters moved to Bathurst, where he not only facilitated the expansion of this iconic brand but also actively engaged in local governance, eventually serving as Mayor and contributing significantly to the regional community.
1890’s – Bathampton
In the early 1800s, as Henry Lawson journeyed across the Blue Mountains to the newly established settlement of Bathurst, the region began to flourish with agricultural and pastoral development, including the leasing of government land for farming. Fast forward seventy years, the legacy of this burgeoning settlement continues through the marriage of James Rutherford’s eldest son to Mary Gilmour, daughter of John Newell Gilmour, the visionary behind the elegant ‘Bathampton’ homestead, which has become a celebrated landmark of Bathurst’s rich history.
1920’s – Birthplace of the future
Over the next 80 years, the Rutherford family’s legacy at Bathampton thrives, providing the next two generations with a rich heritage steeped in farming traditions. One of the property’s water sources, Adleys Crossing (our business namesake) serves as a playground for exploration, nurturing a bond with nature, while the values of wisdom, knowledge, and a deep passion for quality livestock and sustainable practices are lovingly transmitted through a rural upbringing, fostering an enduring appreciation for the environment and agricultural excellence.
1989 – It all starts with a bee
Geoff Rutherford, the adventurous third son and great-great-grandson of the legendary James Rutherford, has turned to beekeeping as a transformative career path after feeling a desire for change. What began as a spontaneous purchase of two beehives, inspired by a visit to a local beekeeper, quickly evolved into Blue Hills Apiary, a thriving full-time venture that showcased his dedication and newfound passion for apiculture.
2014 – The next generation
Chris and Victoria Rutherford’s journey from the hospitality industry into honey packing began in 2014 when they seized the opportunity to establish themselves as business owners on the South Coast. Their dedication and perseverance transformed their initial garage-sized operation, previously known as the Perfect Honey Company, into a thriving industrial enterprise now named Adleys Honey, honouring their roots and commitment to quality and growth.
Today – Looking ahead, honouring the past
Our three bee-utiful boys have been an integral part of the honey-making journey, from their early days sleeping on honey boxes whilst Mum & Dad worked to actively participating in the labelling process. The nurturing of family traditions and the sharing of stories not only strengthens our family’s bond but also ensures that the legacy of Adleys Honey continues to thrive with the next generation. Their involvement is a significant way to honour the past while building a promising future.
What Adleys Honey Means To Us
CHRIS RUTHERFORD
“After years in hospitality that were amazing; having the opportunity to make something my own with no limits, whilst tying in family history is refreshing. Watch this space!”
– Chris
TORI RUTHERFORD
“Adleys Honey is more than just honey, for me, it is about nurturing a part of our family’s history and growing a future for our boys!
I want to build an Australian brand that positively impacts our industry and our environment for generations to come.”
– Tori
