HACKENSACK: Mann Lake Ltd., the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of beekeeping supplies, announced Tuesday it has acquired Hive Hugger, a Minnesota-based company known for its award-winning insulation products designed for the condensing hive approach to beekeeping.
The acquisition brings together the industry’s leading supplier with a developer of products that aim to reduce thermal stress on honeybee colonies. Hive Hugger’s signature system includes an R-32 insulating Crown Top Panel and an R-8 hive body Wrap, which together mimic the insulating properties of natural tree cavities where bees typically thrive.
Company officials said the technology reduces the energy bees expend on thermoregulation, leading to less honey consumption, earlier spring brood development and higher winter survival rates. Beekeepers have also reported that colonies experiencing less thermal stress are better equipped to combat pests and diseases.
“Depending on the beekeeper’s climate, thermoregulation can be an incredible resource drainer in standard beehives,” said Rob Wright, CEO of Mann Lake Ltd. “Hive Hugger has developed a fantastic product that allows beekeepers with standard hive bodies to instantly create a condensing hive environment for their bees.”
Hive Hugger co-founder Peggy DeSanto, a master beekeeper, will remain with the company as an active ambassador for condensing hive use. She said the partnership will help meet growing demand for the product.
“Demand for our product has grown faster than we are able to fulfill it,” DeSanto said. “Joining Mann Lake gives our product the manufacturing, distribution and marketing resources that will allow us to reach more beekeepers with the condensing hive approach. I look forward to turning over the administrative responsibilities of running the business to Mann Lake so I can focus more on spreading the word about this transformative approach to keeping bees.”
Hive Hugger’s production and distribution operations will relocate from the Minneapolis area to Mann Lake’s headquarters in Hackensack, Minnesota.
Mann Lake Ltd., founded in 1983, operates distribution and retail locations in Minnesota, Florida, California and Kentucky, along with dozens of authorized dealers across North America. The company also supplies poultry products through its Stromberg’s Chickens division.
