Back To The Source - Authenticity For Manuka Honey

Executive Summary:

• Determining the authenticity of your Manuka honey is crucial due to the increasing number of counterfeit products.
• For health-conscious consumers, traceability is becoming increasingly important so we know exactly where the food we eat comes from.
• There are various ways to determine the authenticity of your Manuka honey, such as the MGO content.
• At Manukora, each jar has a scannable QR code offering information regarding MGO levels, the beekeeper who cared for your honey, and more.

Why Is It So Important to Know Where My Manuka Honey Is From?

Like many branded consumer goods, honey has been the subject of fake or counterfeit products as suppliers look to make a quick buck. Manuka honey is no different.

As demand from customers around the world increases, knowing the product you just purchased is authentic Manuka honey is becoming increasingly important.

Genuine, authentic Manuka honey can only come from New Zealand. The nectar collected from the New Zealand Manuka tree flower produces a honey that is unique only to this country.

Thankfully, Manukora Manuka honey has unique sequential traceability for each and every product, so you can be sure your honey is authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand. The unique code is located on the lid of every honey jar and under the lid on our boxed product.

Overall, here are a few key things we think are important to know about your Manuka honey:

Below, we cover traceability in full and how to use the code on your product to find out more.

Traceability: A Consumer’s Choice 

It is becoming increasingly important for producers to offer complete product traceability to their customers. Health conscious consumers it seems are particularly interested in understanding the origin of the products they purchase. In other words, the saying, “we are what we eat” is becoming top of mind amongst consumers.

Yet, Manuka honey is a product where origin and authenticity is especially important. Genuine, authentic Manuka honey can only come from New Zealand. The nectar collected from the New Zealand Manuka tree flower produces a honey that is unique only to this country. 

Surprisingly, the New Zealand Manuka tree flowers for only 2 - 6 weeks in the summer. This offers a short window for the bees to harvest the nectar, making Manuka honey ultra-rare. 

Why Is Traceability So Important for Manuka Honey?

Genuine Manuka honey hosts many health benefits that can only be accessed if the honey is authentic (meaning it's of New Zealand origin). In fact, there are a number of unique naturally occurring compounds that can only be found in Manuka honey.

One of these is called Methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is responsible for the antibacterial properties and benefits that Manuka honey offers. Our customers use Manuka honey to support immune health and overall wellbeing. So, it is crucial that Manuka Honey is raw and carefully processed to retain the MGO content and preserve the beneficial natural nutrients.

You can read more about the benefits of Manuka honey here.

Manuka Honey Authenticity Markers 

There are a few key markers that you should look for to ensure your Manuka honey is genuine, and can be traced back to its source in New Zealand. The presence of an MGO level and/or a quality mark called UMF should be present on your product jar lid label or inside the box lid.

A UMF grade is a quality mark that stands for Unique Manuka Factor. The UMF number tells you how potent the Manuka honey is and directly correlates to the amount of MGO present.

Manuka Honey MGO 600+ is a testament to the exceptional quality that Manuka honey can achieve. If you're looking for something different, our Trending Products section showcases a variety of popular choices among consumers.

Additionally, the Manuka Honey 20 MGO850 offers a higher concentration of MGO, catering to those who prefer a more intense experience. Beyond just the products, Manukora provides an extensive knowledge base on their website.

Articles like Raw vs Pure Honey offer insights into different honey types, while Does Honey Expire addresses common queries regarding honey's shelf life. For creative ways to enjoy Manuka honey, check out Savoring Manuka Honey: Ideas. Lastly, the Art of Ethical Beekeeping is a fascinating read for those interested in the sustainable practices behind Manuka honey production.

Every Manukora Manuka honey product states the MGO level and/or the UMF grade on the jar label. It’s hard to miss! These ratings have been approved by an independent laboratory that is certified by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) of the New Zealand Government.

Learn more about what MGO and UMF mean here.

Unique QR Codes: Trace Your Manuka honey

We understand it’s important consumers know the origin and authenticity of their Manuka honey. So, we’ve implemented a special traceability system. You’ll find a QR code on your Manukora Manuka honey product, unique to each and every product we have ever produced.

When scanned by your smartphone camera (no special app needed), this code provides complete authenticity and traceability of your Manuka honey, right back to the beehive it came from.

We guarantee full traceability - from the hive to your hand 

What Will I Find if I Scan the Unique Code?

How Do I Use My Traceability Code?

Easy, simply:

1. Use the camera on your smartphone to scan the QR on the lid 
2. Click the pop up link 
3. It’ll take you directly to a page of your Manukora product 
4. Scroll through to find all the information (You can click the google map link to find out the exact beehive location!)
5. If you want, download the MGO certified results or UMF Certificate that will confirm quality and authenticity

Scan the QR Code on the lid of your jar or inside the box lid with your smartphone camera 

Confidence in Traceability

We understand purchasing authentic New Zealand Manuka honey can be confusing. That’s why we offer complete traceability and transparency.. This way, you can be sure it’s genuine and you can access the health benefits that the nutrients in real Manuka honey can offer. From hive to hand, you’ve got all the information you need. If you need more, explore our blog further!

FAQs

Why is it important to know where my Mānuka honey comes from?

Knowing the origin of your Mānuka honey is crucial because genuine Mānuka honey, with its unique health-supporting properties, can only come from New Zealand. Authenticity ensures that you are getting all the natural benefits Mānuka honey is known for, such as supporting immune health and overall wellbeing.

What makes Manukora Mānuka honey traceable and authentic?

Manukora Mānuka honey features unique sequential traceability that confirms each product as genuine Mānuka honey from New Zealand. Each jar and boxed product includes a QR code that provides detailed information about the MGO levels, the beekeeper, and the exact location of the beehive.

How can I verify the authenticity of my Manukora Mānuka honey?

To verify the authenticity, check for the presence of an MGO level and/or a UMF grade on the product label. These indicators, certified by independent laboratories and approved by the Ministry of Primary Industries of New Zealand, assure the potency and authenticity of the honey.

What will I find if I scan the QR code on my Manukora Mānuka honey product?

Scanning the QR code will provide you with a wealth of information including an authenticity tick, the batch number, the best before date, the potency of the Mānuka honey, and certificates like MGO or UMF that confirm the quality and authenticity. Additionally, you can view the exact location in New Zealand where the honey was produced.

How do I use the traceability code on my Manukora Mānuka honey?

Simply use your smartphone camera to scan the QR code on the lid or inside the box lid of your Manukora product. Follow the pop-up link to a webpage that details everything about your specific jar of honey, including the beehive's location and the option to download certified results or a UMF certificate for quality assurance. 

Sources:

UMFHA

Trust Codes

MPI

International Journal of Microbiology