The new hive, designed by Executive Residence staff and hand-crafted by a local Virginia artisan, serves as an architectural tribute to the White House, according to multiple reports. The expansion adds two new colonies to the existing two, effectively doubling the apiary's workforce. During peak summer, the bee population can reach 70,000.
The expansion is expected to boost annual honey yield by 30 pounds, bringing total production to between 230 and 255 pounds. The bees pollinate the White House Kitchen Garden, Flower Cutting Garden, and National Mall vegetation. The project also serves as a living classroom for visitors.
The White House honey program was formalized in 2009, started by carpenter Charlie Brandt. White House chefs use the honey for teas, desserts, and salad dressings for state dinners. The honey is packaged as official gifts or donated to local food kitchens.
It is not known when the new hive was installed or its exact location on the South Lawn. The cost of the new hive has not been disclosed, and there are no announced plans for further expansion.