Where is Mãnuka Honey Produced, and Which Countries Consume the Most?

In this post, we take a closer look at where pure Manuka Honey is produced, and who consumes the most around The Globe. 

Did you know there are only two countries that produce genuine, pure Mãnuka Honey? 

1. New Zealand (the original and largest producer)

• Source: From the native Leptospermum scoparium plant, known locally as the Mānuka bush.
• Global Reputation: New Zealand is the most internationally recognised and trusted source of genuine Mānuka honey.
• Certification: New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a strict scientific definition for Mānuka honey and sets export standards.

2. Australia

• Source: From Leptospermum species that are native to Australia (including Leptospermum scoparium, also found in Tasmania).
• Debate: There has been an ongoing trademark dispute between Australia and New Zealand over the use of the term "Mānuka." New Zealand claims exclusivity based on cultural and botanical origins.
• Export Presence: Australia exports Mānuka-style honey, often labelled as "Australian Mãnuka Honey," and it contains similar antibacterial properties, though standards and certification may differ.

Are there any other producers?

Some companies in other countries (like the UK, USA, or Canada) may import raw Mānuka honey from New Zealand or Australia and repackage it. However, these nations do not grow Mānuka plants or produce authentic Mānuka honey themselves.

Here's a graph showing the estimated global Mānuka honey production — New Zealand dominates with around 90% of the total market, while Australia contributes approximately 10%.

Now here's a comparison chart highlighting key differences:

Feature	New Zealand 🇳🇿	Australia 🇦🇺
Botanical Source	Leptospermum scoparium (native Mānuka bush)	Various Leptospermum species
Certification System	MPI definition, UMF™ & MGO ratings, strict export rules	No single national standard, mostly MGO-based
Cultural Significance	"Mānuka" is a Māori word with cultural heritage	No Indigenous claim to the term "Mānuka"
Global Reputation	Premium reputation worldwide for authentic Mānuka honey	Growing, but less recognised than NZ Mānuka
Trademark Dispute	Seeking exclusive rights to the term "Mānuka Honey"	Opposes trademark claim; uses "Mãnuka Honey"
Export Markets	USA, UK, China, Japan, Europe	Mainly domestic + some export to Asia & UK

 

Key Market Trends

• China and Southeast Asia are driving global demand due to rising middle-class wealth and a preference for imported natural products.
• Western markets (like the UK, US, and EU) are mature markets where Mānuka honey is part of health and wellness trends.
• Online sales, including Amazon, Tmall (China), and specialty wellness retailers, account for a growing portion of Mānuka honey purchases.

Here is a pie chart showing the estimated global consumption of Mānuka honey by country. As you can see:

• China leads with the largest share at 25%.
• The UK and the USA are also major consumers.
• Other significant markets include Germany, Japan, Australia, and several high-income Asian nations like South Korea, Singapore, and the UAE.

The top consumers of Mānuka honey are primarily high-income countries where people are health-conscious and willing to spend on natural remedies and wellness products. Here's a breakdown:

Rank	Country	Key Reasons for High Consumption
1	China	Huge demand for natural health products, gift culture, and trusted NZ origin
2	United Kingdom	Longstanding trust in NZ products, health trends, is common in supermarkets
3	United States	Popular in wellness, natural medicine, online and health food stores
4	Germany	Strong organic and natural product market
5	Japan	Popular as a luxury gift and for immune support
6	Australia	Domestic consumption of both local and NZ Mānuka honey
7	South Korea	Gaining traction as a premium health food item
8	Singapore	Popular among health-conscious, high-income buyers
9	United Arab Emirates	Sought after in premium health and beauty markets
10	New Zealand*	Strong local appreciation, *though most production is exported

 

Consumed around the world, New Zealand Mānuka honey shines as a standout in the realm of natural health products. Its exceptional quality, stringent certification, and worldwide acclaim make it an invaluable addition to any wellness regimen. Whether you seek a daily health boost or a natural remedy, New Zealand Mānuka honey delivers unmatched purity, potency, and reliability.

Whether you're looking for a daily boost or a natural remedy, M&H Mãnuka Honey NZ has got a jar with your name on it.

👉 Shop our range now to start or continue your honey journey.

*Thanks to ChatGPT for the research data.