MĀNUKA HONEY, MADE CLEAR
Produced from the nectar of New Zealand's native Mānuka flower, genuine Mānuka honey is valued for its distinctive character, natural compounds and carefully verified quality.
In this guide, we'll explain where Mānuka honey comes from, what UMF™ and MGO ratings mean, how authenticity is tested, and how to choose the right grade for you.
01 — THE ORIGIN
Mānuka honey is produced by bees that gather nectar from the flowers of the native New Zealand Mānuka plant, Leptospermum scoparium. The plant grows in some of the country’s most remote and rugged landscapes and flowers for only a limited period each year.
What distinguishes Mānuka honey from other honeys is its unique natural composition. Genuine Mānuka honey contains specific compounds that can be measured to confirm its identity, quality and strength.
Because flowering conditions, location and weather vary from season to season, every harvest begins with nature. Careful sourcing, testing and certification are what allow customers to know that the honey inside the jar is authentic New Zealand Mānuka honey.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mānuka is the Māori name for the native plant from which Mānuka honey is produced.
02 — UNDERSTANDING THE LABEL
UMF™ and MGO are grading terms used on Mānuka honey labels, but they do not describe exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference makes it easier to compare products and choose with confidence.
A comprehensive certification system
The Unique Mānuka Factor, or UMF™, is an independent New Zealand certification system. It assesses key markers associated with Mānuka honey’s authenticity, potency, freshness and shelf life.
A measure of methylglyoxal
MGO refers to methylglyoxal, one of the naturally occurring compounds measured in Mānuka honey. The MGO number indicates the concentration of this individual compound.
| UMF™ | MGO |
|---|---|
| UMF™ 5+ | MGO 83+ |
| UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+ |
| UMF™ 15+ | MGO 514+ |
| UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+ |
These values are a general comparison guide. Always refer to the certification and grading information displayed on the individual product.
03 — FIND YOUR MATCH
There is no single ‘best’ UMF™ grade. The right choice depends on how you plan to enjoy your Mānuka honey, the strength you prefer and your budget. As the UMF™ number increases, so does the concentration of the key compounds measured by the certification system.
Everyday
A versatile introduction to certified Mānuka honey, with a milder flavour suited to everyday food and drinks.
Breakfast · Smoothies · Everyday sweetening
Daily ritual
A popular step up for customers looking to make Mānuka honey part of a regular daily routine.
By the spoonful · Warm drinks · Daily use
Elevated
A more concentrated grade with distinctive depth and character.
Premium daily use · Gifting
High strength
A premium high-strength Mānuka honey for customers seeking a higher UMF™ grade.
By the spoonful · Premium selection
Rare
An exceptionally high and limited Mānuka honey grade representing the pinnacle of the M&H range.
Special purchase · Luxury gifting
BRIANNA TO VERIFY: Grade descriptions, suggested uses and the current M&H product range.
04 — QUALITY YOU CAN VERIFY
Authentic New Zealand Mānuka honey is supported by more than a name on a jar. Its origin, composition, quality and grade can be assessed through recognised testing and certification requirements.
Genuine Mānuka honey originates in New Zealand, where bees gather nectar from the native Mānuka plant.
Testing examines recognised markers associated with the honey’s authenticity, potency, freshness and shelf life.
The UMF™ quality mark identifies honey produced by a licensed member and tested against the certification programme’s requirements.
M&H customers can use the batch code printed on their jar to view information associated with their honey.
FROM YOUR JAR TO ITS RESULTS
Every jar carries a six-digit batch code. Enter yours on our traceability page to view the available laboratory information for your honey.
Trace your honeyBRIANNA TO VERIFY: Please confirm the testing process, UMF™ licence information, what customers can see from their batch code, and whether every current M&H product is covered by this traceability service.
05 — OUR JOURNEY
For a limited period each year, native Mānuka plants flower across remote areas of New Zealand.
Hives are positioned near flowering Mānuka, allowing bees to forage naturally during the brief flowering season.
Once the harvest is ready, the honey is carefully collected for extraction and preparation.
The honey is tested to establish its composition, authenticity and UMF™ grade before it is released.
The finished honey is packed for customers, with batch information providing a connection back to its test results.
ROOTED IN NEW ZEALAND
Our story begins wherever the Mānuka grows.
BRIANNA TO VERIFY: Please confirm hive locations, land ownership or beekeeper relationships, harvesting methods, extraction and packing locations, testing process, and the wording of each production stage.
06 — GOOD TO KNOW
Clear answers to some of the most common questions about genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey.
BRIANNA TO VERIFY: Please review all answers against M&H’s approved product, certification, storage and traceability information.
WHY CHOOSE M&H?
M&H brings together genuine New Zealand origin, independent UMF™ certification and batch traceability across a carefully selected range of Mānuka honey strengths.
Produced from Mānuka nectar gathered in New Zealand.
Independently assessed against recognised authenticity and quality requirements.
Use the code on your jar to view the information available for your batch.
Explore M&H Mānuka honey grades ranging from UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 26+.
Genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey. Independently certified. Carefully selected.
BRIANNA TO VERIFY: Please confirm New Zealand sourcing, UMF™ certification wording, batch traceability, current grade range and M&H’s primary brand point of difference.
