Competitions for Apiculture began in 1888, appearing in a variety of sections before being given their own in 1901 and finally in 1995.

The first classes for Apiculture were contained in a section called Food (fresh, preserved or in various states of preservation), from 1888 to 1900.In this period there were classes for honey (comb or extracted).There were also variousclasses included intermittently during this time such as; Displays of apiary products or ‘appliances’, Collections of apiary products or ‘appliances’, Hives &Combs / Frames. Bees, Beeswax, incl. empty combs.

Apiculture had its own section from 1901 to 1912 with classes for honey (comb and extracted), collections, bees and beeswax.There were also classes for hives (1901-1908), and displays (1902-1908).

In 1913 Apiculture Competitions were moved into the Agriculture section (along with fruits, vegetables, grains, etc).There were a variety of classes and in 1934 a class was introduced for Bulk Honey (for export).

Apiculture was moved into the Dairy Produce Section in 1962.From 1974-1984 there was a competition for branch exhibits, this being for product displays by branches of the Commercial Apiarists Association.Chunk honey was introduced in 1982 and creamed honey and a small producers class in 1984.

Changes in the format of the Cheese & Dairy Produce and Fine Food Sections in the early 90s meant that Apiculture moved sections frequently in that time.Finally in 1995 Apiculture was once again given its own section.Classes for honey (comb, creamed, chunk, liquid & granulated), bees, beeswax, small producers and collections remained consistent and in 2000 classes were introduced for candles, wax moulds, mead and pollen.