Mānuka Honey, by Scientific Definition

As the value of manuka honey becomes more widely recognized, more producers are laying claim to the name “Manuka”.

To help protect this valuable name, any honey produced in New Zealand that uses the name ‘manuka’ must comply by law with the official Manuka Honey Science Definition from the Ministry for Primary Industries.

This definition includes a set of five attributes that must be present for honey to be considered monofloral manuka honey. Firstly, the honey must be from a manuka nectar source. The honey must be made from the nectar of the manuka species Leptospermum scoparium, proven by a DNA test.

Secondly, chemical markers are tested. The honey must contain four specific chemical markers that are characteristic of genuine New Zealand manuka honey. There are also minimum concentrations that must be met. These include 3-Phenyllactic acid, 2-Methoxyacetophenone, 2-Methoxybenzoic acid, and 4-Hydroxyphenyllactic acid.

All honey must be independently tested for these attributes, and we have two laboratories in New Zealand that offer this impartial testing. These tests must be done regardless of if the honey will be a UMF-registered brand or a jar from your local market. If it is labeled Manuka Honey from New Zealand, it must have the science to back the claim.

How did our Ministry establish this definition? Is it fair?

MPI's definition is built on thorough research and is the result of a significant 3-year scientific program, which developed the criteria to identify mānuka honey from New Zealand. Before the definition was confirmed, MPI sought feedback through public consultation to ensure the outcome was fair for all.

The program involved:

• working with local and international experts
• collecting and testing over 800 honey samples, representing over 20 different New Zealand honey types from 7 production years
• collecting and testing over 700 plants from 2 flowering seasons
• analyzing the data using a range of advanced statistical models (this was independently reviewed by 3 international experts)
• identifying markers in the mānuka plant and honey that help distinguish mānuka honey from other honey types
• using test methods that can consistently and accurately test for markers
• determining reliable identification criteria for monofloral or multifloral mānuka honey

As beekeepers committed to selling compliant manuka honey, it is important to understand the scientific criteria established by MPI to ensure that our honey meets the standards required for it to be considered pure and genuine. By doing so, we can provide you (our valued customers) with the highest quality and most authentic product possible.

For more information, you can check the specific requirements in a helpful infographic from MPI here.

Find out more about the M&H story.