Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Bumbleberry Farms was “born of” the honeybee hives that founder Karen Sandusky Mosholder set up in her backyard after taking a beekeeping workshop. The company has grown since that birth thanks to ingenious product development and marketing, a dedication to doing right by its employees and community, and on the strength of a team that includes many Deaf employees. SFA recently spoke with Jon Mosholder, son of Karen and currently at the helm at Bumbleberry Farms as a Deaf business owner, about the strength of a wholesome brand in today’s world, the company’s award-winning honey cream spreads, and more.
Bumbleberry Farms is a family business with a heartwarming slogan. Do you think these factors help attract consumers to your brand, in a time when people are hungry for connection and optimism?
Absolutely! When consumers see a brand that feels genuine and values family and community, it creates a sense of comfort and reliability—something that can be especially appealing in today’s world. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the story behind the brand, and a slogan that conveys warmth or a sense of belonging can really help foster that emotional connection. "Spread A Little Sweetness" not only relates to the spreadable sweet goodness that we still craft in small batches by bee and by hand, it means extending that sweetness in the form of kindness to others – doing good for our customers, our employees, our retail partners; giving back to the community in a positive way.
Please tell us about your honey cream spreads and what makes them special.
Our two-time sofi™ Award-winning honey cream spreads are made in small batches using whole ingredients and absolutely no preservatives—we’re reminded of stirring homemade caramels with grandmother’s wooden spoon, warming our hands on frosty days with a mug of rich hot cocoa, or waiting impatiently for the cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Our spreads have versatile uses as well from making an average coffee into a special latte to elevating a breakfast pancake to putting a special wow into a charcuterie board. It’s interesting to hear customers asking what they could use the spreads with, but once we start sharing ideas, we can see their faces light up and new recipes come to life in their minds.
You offer a range of flavor options for the honey cream spreads, including seasonal options. Where do you get inspiration for product line extensions?
The spreads, first created by my mother, were inspired by a family cookie recipe that my siblings and I couldn’t get enough of. In truth, we didn’t wait for the finished cookie; we’d fight over who got to lick the spoon! We want our customers to experience that same feeling. We look for flavors that will bring our customers back to a nostalgic moment in their lives whether if it was from a family kitchen or a distinct flavor of their favorite treat at one point. We also consider how flavors might inspire people to be creative with food. It’s about the moments we share with others, cooking with our families, sharing coffee and something sweet with friends, and even making grandmother’s recipes fresh by adding our own twist to her tried and true recipes – like frosting cinnamon rolls with our Sweet Orange Cardamom Honey Cream Spread!
“Gimme (Some) Sugar” is one of SFA’s 2025 trends predictions, wherein consumers are rejecting artificial sweeteners in favor of “the real deal.” As a brand whose products align with this trend, have you seen increased interest from consumers? From retailers you've spoken with?
We're seeing a growing trend where both consumers and retailers are becoming more health-conscious and aware about the products they choose. People are increasingly seeking natural sweeteners with added health benefits, and Bumbleberry Farms is proud to offer honey that meets this demand. Honey stands out as a top choice, packed with antioxidants and prebiotics that support immune health. Not only is it a versatile sweetener that boosts energy and helps relieve sore throats and colds, but it's also been used for centuries as a natural remedy for wounds and burns. For retailers, offering honey is not just about stocking a popular product; it’s about tapping into a growing market of consumers looking for healthier alternatives to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. Honey has gained widespread recognition for its natural benefits.
What is the best part of having many Deaf employees at Bumbleberry Farms?
The best part of being a Deaf owned and operated business is the communication between all of us and bringing a unique set of strengths to the team. One of the best parts is the diversity of perspectives and communication styles it fosters. Deaf employees often bring innovative ways of solving problems, both in terms of visual and non-verbal communication. This can improve teamwork and creativity within the workplace. Additionally, creating an inclusive environment where Deaf employees feel valued can contribute to a positive workplace culture. It can also strengthen the company’s connection to the Deaf community, making Bumbleberry Farms a more socially responsible and welcoming place. Beyond just the workplace, it can also encourage broader social awareness and understanding of Deaf culture. I also love that our way of communicating is not unlike that of honeybees, who communicate locations of nectar sources with something called a “waggle dance” where their moves communicate precise locations for other bees in the hive to follow.
What advice or recommendations do you have for aspiring food and beverage entrepreneurs?
Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and introduce the world to your ideas, recipes and flavors. Focus on creating quality over quantity and have a good story to connect with your consumers, and above all, try to do good where you stand.
Learn more about SFA member Bumbleberry Farms on their website.
Bumbleberry Farms, a Deaf-Owned and Operated Family Business, Is Spreading Sweetness with On-Trend Honey Cream Spreads
