organic health food shop

 

About us

The Honey Tree is an independent enterprise that has been trading in Heaton, Newcastle since 1999.  Our founding aim was to put local, healthy and organic food firmly on the map in our area. And we wanted to create jobs in our local economy – all in way that was respectful to the  environment and the welfare of all.  Our shop is now literally brimming with vibrant, sustainably sourced, healthy food. And feedback from our positive customer base  helps us to continue to adapt and improve our service.

Sustainability and organic food

20 years has been a long time in the ethical grocery sector.  But it’s been a pleasure  to see a lot of our concerns regarding food and sustainability reach the level of everyday conversations. Initially concerns about food quality often drew customers to our door. But recently concerns over the environment, and a growth of interest in healthy foods  and clean living have brought more customers to the shop. 

Because we source our fresh produce directly from growers and suppliers locally and across the UK, we are able to select not only the best quality, but also work with farms and producers who share our wider values and goals. The proof we hope is in the pudding. When short cuts are avoided food tastes better, and we hope is worth any extra cost. Above all, we hope our customers enjoy shopping with us. 

Social Enterprise

20 years ago there weren’t even such things a Community Initiative Company’s. The business was started independently in 1999 with mixed funding from Project North East and The Princes trust.  The money our customers spend in-store each week  goes to paying fair wages, paying suppliers a proper price, and developing the business. 

As part of our social focus, we have worked over the years in partnerships to addresses different social problems which have overlapped with the co-operative grocery trade.

  We worked have alongside the likes of Defra, the soil association, slow food, and northumbria organic producers to address such issues as food quality in schools, animal welfare, and the affordability of organic food.

  In the last few years we have undertaken a zero-waste approach in-store, started a delivery service during covid; and now in response to the cost of living crisis,  we have set our focus on providing as much value in-store as we can through these difficult times. 

As Featured By…

The Guardian’s Good Food Guide

Rick Stein’s Food Heroes of Britain

Rose Prince of the Daily Telegraph  

BBC Countryfile

Cbeebies I can cook

Living North Magazine

The Herald  

BBC Radio Newcastle

BBC Olive Magazine

www.thehoneytree.org