WEWAHITCHKA, FL – January 20, 2026 — Smiley Honey, a Florida-based honey producer, issued an informational update highlighting factors that influence the annual Tupelo honey harvest in the Apalachicola River basin and surrounding floodplain areas of the Florida Panhandle.
According to the company, Tupelo honey is produced during a short seasonal window when White Tupelo trees (Nyssa ogechee) bloom, typically occurring in mid-to-late spring depending on regional temperature and rainfall conditions. Smiley Honey stated that the timing and volume of the harvest can vary significantly from year to year due to environmental factors that affect nectar flow.
Smiley Honey noted that the Tupelo-producing regions along the river system are not managed as traditional agricultural orchards. The company stated that White Tupelo trees grow primarily in wetland and floodplain environments, where water levels and weather patterns influence bloom development and nectar availability.
“Tupelo honey production depends on a limited bloom period and conditions that can change quickly,” said Willem Johannes Oosthuizen, Smiley Honey representative. “This update is intended to provide context around the seasonal nature of harvesting and why availability can differ between years.”
The company stated that Tupelo honey is generally associated with a specific set of natural conditions, including stable weather during the bloom period and reduced storm activity that could disrupt nectar collection. Smiley Honey noted that heavy rainfall, unseasonal temperature shifts, or changes in river behavior may reduce the number of viable collection days available to honeybee colonies during peak bloom.
Smiley Honey noted that Tupelo honey is known for a distinctive sugar composition compared to many other honey varieties. The company stated that the honeycomb naturally higher fructose and lower glucose profile is often associated with slower crystallization, which can result in longer shelf stability in liquid form under typical storage conditions.
The update further noted that honey quality and composition may be affected by timing in relation to surrounding floral sources. Smiley Honey stated that harvesting is scheduled after the primary Tupelo nectar flow concludes and before additional blooms in the area become dominant, supporting consistent varietal characteristics.
Smiley Honey reported that it continues to operate apiary yards positioned near Tupelo-rich floodplain areas, with colony management structured around seasonal preparation ahead of the bloom. The company stated that its approach emphasizes hive readiness, controlled site placement, and harvesting schedules intended to align with the limited seasonal window.
Additional information about Smiley Honey and its Tupelo honey updates is available through the company’s website.
About Smiley Honey
Smiley Honey is a Florida-based honey producer located in the Wewahitchka region of the Florida Panhandle. The company produces honey products, including Tupelo honey, and provides informational updates related to seasonal harvesting conditions and honey production practices.
Media Contact
Company Name: Smiley Honey
Contact Person: Willem Johannes Oosthuizen
Email: info@smileyhoney.com
Website: https://www.smileyhoney.com
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