How Genuine Manuka Honey Is Authenticated in New Zealand (2026)

Manuka Honey

Published: Jan 26, 2026 Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Understanding how genuine manuka honey is identified and authenticated in New Zealand can be difficult without understanding the regulatory framework, scientific testing requirements, and export standards that underpin the recognised definition of manuka honey.

Disclaimer:

Information in this article shouldn't be considered medical advice. If you are considering taking manuka honey, propolis, royal jelly or bee pollen for their health benefits and are currently taking medication, please consult your doctor first.

Why Authentication Matters

Authentication exists to distinguish genuine manuka honey from other honeys that may appear similar in colour, flavour or texture. Because manuka honey is recognised globally, clear and enforceable standards are required to ensure that the name “manuka” refers to a consistent and verifiable product.

Fake manuka honeys have made their way into international markets in previous years, which is why the manuka honey definition was created - to ensure that the term could be applied consistently across regions and markets, and make it easier for regulators, import authorities and consumers to determine whether a honey described as “manuka” actually meets the recognised criteria.

Authentication is concerned with origin, identity, and composition.

The MPI Definition of Manuka Honey

The Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand is the government body responsible for setting the official definition of manuka honey for export. This definition was introduced to support consistency, enforcement, and clarity in international trade.

Under this MPI framework, manuka honey is defined using a combination of measurable chemical markers and DNA evidence associated with the nectar from the manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium).

These MPI tests determine the amount of manuka sourced nectar within the honey. Mono-floral manuka honey is primarily manuka-sourced nectar with possibly a small portion of other floral sources. Whereas multi-floral manuka honey contains a significant portion of honey from other floral nectar types, and cannot be described as primarily manuka.

Scientific Testing Requirements

Manuka honey authentication relies on laboratory testing conducted by recognised, independent testing facilities. Honey samples are analysed to determine whether they meet the criteria of MPI’s definition.

The testing framework includes both chemical analysis and DNA analysis, with each approach addressing a different aspect of identification rather than relying on any single indicator.

Test results are assessed against defined thresholds. To be classified as manuka honey under the MPI export definition, a sample must meet all required criteria. However, if a honey does not mee one or more thresholds, this does not necessarily indicate adulteration of the honey or safety concerns. It indicates only that the honey does not meet the specific classification requirements to be called “manuka.” The honey may be perfectly safe and enjoyable food but cannot be described as the manuka floral type.

Chemical and DNA Markers Explained

MGO 261 Manuka Honey UMF 10+ Lab certified UMF rating 500g

Chemical markers are naturally occurring compounds that are present in notable levels in manuka honey. These compounds are measured using laboratory techniques designed to produce repeatable and comparable results across samples.

DNA markers are used to detect the genetic material of manuka pollen within the honey. This analysis helps confirm the floral source by identifying the plant pollen DNA is consistent with Leptospermum scoparium.

However, neither chemical markers nor DNA markers are used in isolation under the MPI definition.

Export Standards for New Zealand Manuka Honey

For manuka honey to be exported from New Zealand, it must comply with MPI export requirement. These include mandatory testing, documentation, and traceability which links the exported product back to its source and test results.

Why Not All Manuka Honey Meets These Standards

closeup of a be on manuka flowers

Not all honey produced in areas where manuka trees grow will meet the full MPI definition as natural variation in nectar availability, flowering conditions, and bee foraging behaviour can influence results.

Some honeys may contain manuka nectar but still fall below one or more of the required thresholds. In such cases, the honey remains genuine honey, but does not meet the specific criteria required to be described as “manuka” under the export definition.

How Authentication Protects Consumers

Authentication supports accurate and consistent labelling by aligning product descriptions with verifiable criteria. By defining the boundaries of the term “manuka honey,” the system limits misinterpretation and supports transparency across supply chains and markets. It allows consumers, regulators, and import authorities to assess claims based on shared reference points.

Authentic manuka honey from New Zealand is based on a structured, science-led framework overseen by a government authority. It combines chemical analysis and DNA evidence to define a honey’s botanical origin and potency.

FAQ

Is there anything added to your Manuka South honey?

No, we only filter our raw and unpasteurised honey to remove any unwanted bits of comb.

What is your honey process?

Our Mānuka Honey Process;

Bees collect nectar from Mānuka flowers here in New Zealand. 
The nectar is then made into honey by the bees and stored in the hive. 
Collect honey supers (honeycomb) from hive then extract the honey from the comb.
The raw honey is then poured into drums and carefully matured in temperature-controlled facilities.
When the raw Mānuka honey has reached the ultimate maturing level it gets poured into a mixing tank and slowly stirred to start the creaming process. This creaming process typically takes 3-7 days and gives the unique texture of NZ creamed manuka honey.
Next, we pack the honey straight into jars, ready for our customers.

Read more: Hive to Jar: How Manuka Honey is Made

What does UMF mean?

The UMF Honey Association has a world-leading science programme that is focussed on identifying the unique signature compounds of genuine Mānuka Honey,  UMF® stands for Unique Mānuka Factor. The most genuine, high-grade Mānuka honey from New Zealand displays a UMF® rating on the label and packaging. This represents the unique signature compounds characteristic of this honey which ensure purity and quality. These include: the key markers of  Leptosperin, DHA and Methylglyoxal.

The lowest UMF® rating number is 5+ and one of the highest is 35+. UMF® 35+ honey is very rare and not often seen in the marketplace. Any UMF® rating above 10+ has been historically described as ‘highly active’.

Always look for the UMF® rating to be confident that you are getting the level of quality that is associated with UMF® testing.

Read more: What do Manuka Honey Ratings Mean?

Why is Mānuka honey so expensive?

It is a labour of love from the hive to the jar. Our hives are placed in the most pure and untouched locations around New Zealand often only accessible with helicopter which makes it a real challenge for our intrepid beekeepers to get to our hives.

The harvesting of Mānuka honey is unlike any other as the Mānuka bush only flowers for 4-6 weeks each year so our apiarist work very hard during this period to ensure we get premium Mānuka honey while also looking after the bees. The biggest impact on our harvest is mother nature and rain and cold weather can ruin a honey vintage. If the weather is bad during flowering, then the bees cannot harvest nectar from the Mānuka bush and will instead eat the honey in the hive. Ethical bee keeping is part of our core values, we therefore only work with apiarist that ensure the bees have enough honey to keep the hive healthy.

When the harvest has finished our beekeepers submit honey samples to the Manuka South HQ to be part of our selection process.All samples go through rigorous certified testing. Our technical team analyze the results and only choose honey that exceeds the industry standards.

When the tech team has ensured the honey meets all regulatory requirements, it then goes on to the selection team that look at the colour, texture and of course taste of the honey.

The honey selected for our Limited Reserve and premium range of UMF honey also goes through rigorous DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) testing. DHA, a precursor chemical of MGO, is found in the nectar of (Mānuka) in New Zealand. The DHA levels are often still relatively high in freshly harvested honey.  Over a period of time, the DHA will convert to MGO in the honey, through a natural chemical process.

The honey that gets selected for our premium range is cellared in carefully temperature-controlled facilities to mature the honey to optimal UMF/MGO results.

Read more: Best Manuka Honey Brand: A Buyer’s Checklist

How long does Mānuka honey keep for?

As long as Mānuka honey is stored properly (not exposed to too much heat, and out of direct sunlight - your honey will last well beyond its best before date.

What are the benefits of Mānuka honey?

This is a big topic that we dive more into over on our blogs however in short:

It is antibacterial: Mānuka honey has been proven time and time again to be a powerful weapon helping the body’s immunity against illness-causing bacteria. Not only does it help kill bugs, but it provides moisture and nourishment…double bonus!

Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties which have been harnessed by humans for centuries and used as a treatment for wounds and illness. When you apply Mānuka honey to inflamed skin, it can help reduce the redness, swelling and pain while remaining very gentle.

Read more: The Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

Where does Manuka South source their honey?

We source our honey from Beekeepers throughout New Zealand.

Read more: Origin and Authenticity: Where does Mānuka Honey Come From?

I have purchased some Manuka South products; how can I check it is genuine?

You can be confident that your product is genuine if you purchase your Manuka South products from the Manuka South or one of our endorsed stockists. However if you would like to check that your product is genuine if purchased elsewhere, please contact us directly and provide us with the details of where you purchased the product, and if possible, clear photos of the product itself. Once this has been received, we will investigate thoroughly as our customers safety is our top priority.

Your cart is empty

Your cart

Estimated total