Nature’s Golden Treasure
Exploring the Wonders of Mānuka Honey
Where it comes from, what makes it different, and how to choose the right grade for your customers.
Origin & harvest
- Harvested from the pristine, remote hills and forests of New Zealand.
- Made by bees that forage on the mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium).
- A unique monofloral honey with a rich, distinctive flavour and aroma.
Valued for wellness
- Naturally rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), the compound behind mānuka’s distinctive activity.
- The subject of decades of scientific study worldwide.
- A traditional favourite for soothing honey-and-lemon drinks and everyday wellbeing.
- Contains natural antioxidants, enzymes and trace minerals.
The difference
What makes mānuka different?
| Regular honey | Mānuka honey | |
|---|---|---|
| Floral source | Many flowers, e.g. clover or wildflower | Mānuka nectar only, from New Zealand |
| Colour & taste | Light colour, mild flavour | Darker colour, rich and earthy taste |
| Activity | Hydrogen peroxide activity, which is sensitive to heat and light | Stable non-peroxide activity (NPA) from methylglyoxal (MGO) |
| Grading | Usually ungraded | Independently tested and graded, by MGO or the licensed UMF™ system |
| Authenticity | Varies | Must meet the NZ Government (MPI) scientific definition for export |
Choosing a grade
MGO grades at a glance
| MGO rating | UMF™ reference* | Character | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGO 100+ | UMF 5+ | Smooth, gentle | Everyday table honey, tea, baking |
| MGO 263+ | UMF 10+ | Fuller, malty | Premium retail, gifting |
| MGO 514+ | UMF 15+ | Rich, robust | Wellness and pharmacy ranges |
| MGO 829+ | UMF 20+ | Intense, rare | Luxury and limited editions |
Formats
Packed the way you need it
Bulk
Food-grade drums and pails for packers, manufacturers and ingredient buyers.
Retail jars
Shelf-ready jars in popular sizes, labelled with grade, batch and certification.
Private label
Your brand, filled and labelled in New Zealand and ready for your market.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between MGO and UMF™?
MGO measures the methylglyoxal content in mg/kg. UMF™ is a licensed grading system that also checks markers of authenticity and freshness. We grade our honey by MGO, backed by independent lab results for every batch. If your market specifically requires UMF™-certified product, let us know your requirements.
Is your honey raw?
Yes. Our honey is gently handled with no added sugar and no additives, so its natural character and activity are preserved.
Can I get test certificates?
Yes. Independent lab results for MGO and the MPI mānuka definition are available for every batch we supply.
Do you offer samples?
Yes. Trade buyers can request samples of any grade. Get in touch with your market and requirements.