Woolworths is celebrating the heroes behind most of the fresh food in supermarkets: bees.
Bees are responsible for pollinating 70 per cent of all crops eaten by humans. But bee populations are facing a sticky situation worldwide due to pesticides, climate change, and habitat destruction.
To help raise the profile of the humble workers, Woolworths is giving bees their very own ‘bee-stro’.
The retailer has partnered with experts Bees Up Top and Auckland’s Ambury Farm to create a bee-friendly supermarket during the term 3 school holidays from September 28 to October 6. Instead of food, the miniature aisles will be full of bees’ favourite blooms such as lavender, mānuka, and cosmos.
Woolworths New Zealand General Manager of Fruit and Vegetables, Ryan McMullen, says they’re thrilled to shine a light on the role bees play in bringing us delicious, fresh produce.
“So much of the fresh fruits and veggies we look forward to every year would not exist without bees,” he said.
“Spring favourites like strawberries and asparagus are back in season, thanks to the tireless work of these tiny pollinators.
“We want to encourage Kiwis and their families to get outside this spring and become more aware of these amazing creatures and the challenges they face.”
Kiwis are encouraged to buzz on over to the Supermarket for Bees in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland to take part in free, immersive, and educational activities. Woolworths is also encouraging people to think about their own homes and how they could make their gardens welcoming to bees.
“Our shoppers can make a difference by planting their very own bee garden and raising awareness about these critical creatures,” Mr McMullen said.
Aotearoa is home to a whopping 27 species of native bees that are not found anywhere else.