B2B Buyer’s Guide
Quality, potency & certification
A clear guide to how mānuka honey is graded, valued and verified, so you can choose the right grade for your market, application and price point.
The two core grading systems
MGO and UMF™, explained
Methylglyoxal
MGO
Methylglyoxal forms naturally in mānuka honey. Scientists identified it as the key compound behind mānuka’s distinctive non-peroxide activity. An MGO grade states its concentration directly in mg/kg: a single, precise measure of potency.
Unique Mānuka Factor
UMF™
UMF™ is an independent, licensed certification. It checks several signature markers together, including MGO, leptosperin, DHA and HMF, to confirm potency, authenticity and freshness in one full-spectrum grade.
| Metric | MGO (Methylglyoxal) | UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Strength and concentration of the active compound | Full-spectrum assessment of potency, purity and authenticity |
| Assessment scope | Targeted compound measurement (mg/kg) | Multi-factor, independent laboratory verification |
| Who can use it | Any producer with independent lab results | Licensed members of the UMF™ Honey Association only |
Commercial applications
Match the grade to the product
Everyday Food
83–263+
MGO · ≈ UMF™ 5+ to 10+
Accessible entry grades for table honey, functional foods, sweeteners, beverages and everyday wellness lines.
Premium Wellness
514–829+
MGO · ≈ UMF™ 15+ to 20+
Strong differentiation for dietary supplements, specialty retail, gifting and high-end wellness products.
Specialist & Luxury
1122+
MGO · ≈ UMF™ 24+ to 31+
Rare, ultra-high grades for specialist formulations, premium skincare and exclusive luxury editions. Available on request.
Value by grade
Higher grades are rarer, and priced that way
Value does not rise in a straight line. Each step up in potency is harder to produce, so bulk value multiplies as the grade climbs. At the top of the range, honey can be worth more than ten times an everyday grade.
In practice, buyers can command premium pricing and stronger differentiation with higher grades. The best choice balances your market position, application and cost-to-potency ratio.
Indicative bulk value by grade
Relative to MGO 83+ (= 1×), based on typical NZ market ranges per kg
What drives price
Five factors behind every quote
Grade
MGO potency is the single biggest factor.
Season
Weather and flowering shape each year’s supply.
Format
Bulk drums, retail jars or private label.
Volume
Larger and repeat orders unlock better rates.
Certification
Extra certification, such as organic, adds cost.
Choosing a partner
Why work with a specialist exporter?
The largest mānuka brands are built for supermarket-scale volume. We are built for importers and growing brands who want the same quality with more flexibility.
| Typical large exporter | AP Global Nectar | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | Container-scale volumes | Flexible: trial orders welcome |
| Private label | Reserved for major brand partners | Open to emerging and regional brands |
| Who you deal with | Account teams and distributors | A direct line to the decision-maker |
| Grades & documents | Standardised ranges | Matched to your market, with full certificates |
| Response time | Varies | Personal reply within two business days |
Buyer checklist
Six questions to ask any mānuka supplier
- Does every batch pass the MPI mānuka definition? It is a legal requirement for export as mānuka from New Zealand.
- Can I see an independent lab certificate for this batch? The certificate should name the lab, the batch number and the MGO result.
- Is the grade stated as MGO or UMF™, and who certifies it? Be wary of vague claims like “active” or “bio-active” with no number.
- Where was it packed? Look for registered New Zealand facilities and full traceability.
- Will the label meet my market’s rules? Health-claim and labelling laws differ by country.
- What is the minimum order, and can I start with samples? A good partner makes it easy to begin.
Ready to choose your grade?
Tell us your market and application. We will recommend the right grade and send samples with certificates.