Why High-Grade Honey Is Rare (and Why That Affects Price)

Executive Summary:

• Genuine high-grade Manuka honey is rare due to short bloom seasons, remote locations, and stringent testing requirements.
• Only a small share of each harvest reaches premium MGO levels such as 850+ and 1000+.
• Natural scarcity, labor, and certification standards drive price differences.
• Manukora’s ethical, traceable process ensures every jar delivers purity and authenticity.
• Paying more reflects quality, transparency, and respect for nature.

The Story Behind the Price

If you’ve ever wondered why one jar of honey costs $12 and another $120, the difference goes far beyond packaging. With Manuka honey, the price reflects everything that goes into producing it.

Ultimately, each batch is shaped by the season, the landscape, and the beekeepers’ dedication to quality. So, in this article, we further explore why Manuka honey costs more and what exactly makes it so rare.

It Starts with the Flower: A Short, Unpredictable Bloom

All authentic Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree, native only to New Zealand. These trees flower for just a few short weeks a year. If heavy rain or strong winds arrive during that period, bees have fewer days to collect nectar, and the total yield may significantly drop.

The highest-strength honeys often originate in remote, hard-to-reach landscapes. Helicopters and off-road vehicles are sometimes needed to place hives or retrieve filled boxes. Each extra step adds complexity and cost, but it preserves the purity of this honey. In particular, it protects it from pollution or intensive agricultural practices. 

MGO Levels: The Rarity Multiplier

The compound that defines Manuka honey’s strength is MGO (methylglyoxal). It forms naturally within the honey as it ages and is responsible for many of the nutritional properties that make Manuka unique.*

Higher MGO means a stronger concentration and also a smaller supply. Only a tiny fraction of harvested honey tests above MGO 850+, and even fewer exceed 1000+. Ultra-high batches, such as MGO 1600+ or 1750+, account for less than 0.02 percent of total production across New Zealand.

Either way, however, every jar must undergo independent lab testing to confirm its MGO content and authenticity. This rigorous process ensures accuracy but further narrows the amount of honey available for premium release.

Purity and Traceability Define Value

Manukora’s quality promise extends beyond strength. We uphold strict standards that protect both our bees and our customers. Each jar is:

• Glyphosate-free
• Antibiotic-free
• Non-GMO
• And comes with a QR-code traceable to its origin.

We also never mix different harvests. This sets Manukora Manuka honey apart since many low-cost honeys on the market are pasteurized or blended for uniformity, which removes natural enzymes and flattens taste.

Because of its natural composition, Manuka honey can be stored for long periods without preservatives, provided it is handled and sealed correctly. 

Small Batches, Big Impact

Some of Manukora’s rarest releases come from limited batches with exceptional MGO readings, such as:

• MGO 1750+ (Coastal Northland): Only 215 jars produced. The region’s coastal winds and sunlight create a distinct flavor profile and unusually high strength.

• MGO 1600+ (Waikato Riverlands): Just 824 jars crafted from lush wetlands and river valleys.

Some high-MGO honeys are aged under controlled conditions to allow MGO levels to stabilize naturally. This patience yields a more concentrated, complex honey that many collectors consider a once-a-year treat.

These rare releases also often sell first to our subscribers before reaching public release. When they sell out, they cannot be re-created until the next rare season aligns.

Why the Price Reflects More Than the Grade

The price of Manuka honey comes from a combination of nature and care. Each jar represents dozens of interconnected costs, including harvest labor, transport from remote apiaries, independent testing, batch verification, and sustainable packaging.

At Manukora, our commitment to transparency further means every Manukora jar includes a QR code linking you to lab results, beekeepers, and harvest details. This level of verification ensures our customers know exactly what they’re getting in each and every jar!

Through The Art of Ethical Beekeeping™, we also ensure that quality extends beyond the product to the ecosystem that supports it. Each purchase helps protect native pollinators and preserve New Zealand’s unique landscapes for future harvests.

Why Premium Manuka Matters

High-grade Manuka honey is rare because, in short, nature designed it that way. Short blooms, remote regions, and unpredictable weather make every harvest unique. Add to that our commitment to testing and traceability, and each jar becomes a limited edition from the land that created it.

When you choose a premium jar of Manukora honey, you’re investing in purity, authenticity, and ethical craftsmanship. It’s a taste of New Zealand’s natural rarity and a connection to the bees and people who care for it.

Got a jar of Manukora Manuka honey nearby? Scan the QR code to see its journey from hive to home, and experience the difference that true rarity makes!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is high-grade Manuka honey so expensive?

High-grade Manuka honey is costly because it is extremely rare and labor-intensive to produce. The short bloom season, limited regions, and strict testing requirements restrict supply. Manukora adds further value through traceability, ethical harvesting, and independent verification of every batch. When you buy a premium jar, you are supporting a transparent process from hive to home.

Does higher MGO mean better honey?

Higher MGO does not always mean better taste, but it does indicate greater concentration of the components that support well-being.* Some people prefer mid-range levels such as MGO 600+ or 850+ for daily use, while others enjoy the richer texture and flavor of 1000+ and above. Your choice depends on personal preference and how you plan to use it.

Is it worth buying higher grades?

If you want a more concentrated honey that supports immune and digestive wellness* through its nutrient profile, higher MGO grades offer that option. They also deliver a deeper flavor experience and greater rarity value. For everyday enjoyment, MGO 600+ or 850+ is perfectly balanced; for collectors or gift purchases, Ultra Active drops offer something truly special.

What’s the difference between MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+?

The difference is primarily in MGO concentration. All grades are lab-verified for purity and origin, but each step up represents a stronger nutrient profile and richer taste. MGO 600+ is ideal for daily use, 850+ offers a more robust flavor, and 1000+ is reserved for those seeking the most premium experience.

Can you fake high-grade honey?

Unfortunately, yes. Because Manuka honey is valuable, some products are mislabelled or blended with other honeys. Manukora protects consumers through QR-code traceability and independent lab testing. Scanning the code on any jar verifies its origin, MGO grade, and harvest location, so you always know you’re buying authentic honey.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources

Manuka Honey: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects - WebMD