Submitted Photo | Nature Nate's has bottled millions of pounds of honey in their first year of operation since opening their plant located in Valdosta-Lowndes County, Georgia.

VALDOSTA – Nature Nate’s 100 percent pure, raw and unfiltered honey has bottled millions of pounds of honey since opening its first Georgia plant a year ago. 

The Valdosta-based facility distributes honey across the United States and exports to Canada and Japan, employs 39 people from Valdosta and surrounding communities, and partners with local bee farmers in Georgia and Florida to supply several varieties of honey including Orange Blossom, Palmetto, Gallberry, Tupelo, Wildflower and Honeycomb, according to a press release.

“Nature Nate’s investment in our community has doubled from initial projections to $3.5 million invested since 2015,” said Andrea Schruijer, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority. “Nature Nate’s honey company is an example of the positive national impact companies can have here in Valdosta-Lowndes County.”

Nathan Sheets, CEO and founder of Nature Nate’s, credits much of the first-year success to the community and employees.

“Nature Nate’s has had a fantastic inaugural year in Valdosta,” Sheets said. “The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority welcomed us and has been helpful and supportive every step of the way. We’re immensely grateful and proud to expand our business production here. Valdosta and surrounding communities has provided a talented group of people to join our Nature Nate’s family. Together, we embrace the Nature Nate’s ethos of improving our community together and helping others around the country.”