Board Committee
Ben Brown
Founder, Bioactive Honey Co.
Chairman, Australian Bioactive Honey Association
Ben Brown is a third-generation beekeeper and the founder of Bioactive Honey Co., a business built on his family’s beekeeping legacy established in 1928. Today, the family manages over 5,000 hives and produces around 600 tonnes of honey annually, supplying both high and low-grade MGO and TA honey to health, food, and veterinary industries across Australia and international markets.
Ben leads innovation in functional honey applications and provides bulk supply for private label brands. All honey from Bioactive Honey Co. is independently tested, 100% Australian-sourced, and never blended with imported or artificial ingredients.
As Chairman of the Australian Bioactive Honey Association (ABHA), Ben plays a key role in establishing national guidelines for TA certification and advancing research into bioactive honey compounds. He is also a proud member of the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), supporting authenticity and export standards.
Michael Howes
CEO of Australia’s Manuka
Michael has been beekeeping since high school, as a Master Beekeeper Michael has been integral in the establishment and building of the Australian Manuka honey industry. Working with scientist developing the industry including mapping Leptospermum spp. and honey testing.
Michael was also a key witness in the court cases over the use of the word Manuka for Australian honey. Michael has a keen interest in bioactive compounds in honey and discovering the benefits. In New Zealand he studied Botany and Zoology and later Natural Therapies in Melbourne.
Michael enjoys bushwalking, spending time in nature, playing music and spending time with his grandchild.
Hope Evans
Associate Directory of Australia’s Manuka
As a member of our family business, Hope has been working with Australia’s Manuka since the beginning. She devotes her time on Sales and Marketing strategy. On top of that, she is taking on more responsibility from her parents Kat & Michael.
Hope had her own Financial Planning practice for eight years and specialised in ethical investment before moving to Australia’s Manuka full time in 2023. Hope is passionate about the regenerative movement as well as supporting local produce and whole foods. She is also keen to educate people about honey and using raw honey as a medicine and health food.
Hope has completed a Bachelor of International Business and Master of Sustainable Development. Hope enjoys time at the beach, camping, bushwalking, reading, Pilates and Yoga.
Carl Hampson
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Hampson Honey Pty Ltd
Carl Hampson is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Hampson Honey Pty Ltd, a Queensland-based honey production and packing company known for its premium, raw, single-origin Australian honey. With over a decade of hands-on experience in apiculture, Carl leads the business’s apiary operations, product development, and strategic growth.
His focus on sustainable, ethical beekeeping practices and high-quality production standards has positioned Hampson Honey as a trusted supplier to major retailers and wholesalers across Australia. Under Carl’s leadership, the company has expanded from a small-scale operation into a vertically integrated enterprise with its own HACCP-accredited packing facility, servicing both retail and bulk markets.
Carl is recognised for his commitment to bee health, environmental stewardship, and innovation in the honey industry. His approach blends practical field expertise with a strong commercial focus, ensuring the business continues to grow while maintaining product integrity and environmental responsibility.
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Summer Jun
Board Director Advisor
Summer has led 1770 Naturally Australian, a premium honey company dedicated to showcasing the purity, traceability, and health benefits of Australian honey. With extensive experience collaborating with producers, suppliers, and customers across both local and international markets, she brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the honey industry.
A branding specialist, Summer has successfully built strong consumer recognition for Australian honey. Her expertise in brand storytelling and export strategy has helped position Australian honey as a trusted global product.
Passionate about science-backed health benefits, Summer advocates for transparency, strict quality standards, and stronger regulation of imported honey. She supports the association’s efforts to establish a Sercombe-certified quality mark that protects authentic Australian producers and enhances consumer trust.
Summer’s goal is to elevate Australian honey as the world’s benchmark for quality, purity, and natural health benefits.
