Is Your Manuka Honey Authentic?

Is Your Manuka Honey Authentic?

When we read that “New Zealand produces 1,700 tonnes of Manuka honey, but 10,000 tonnes are sold globally” (https://www.healthyfood.co.uk/know-real-manuka-honey/) it becomes clear that many consumers have been paying very high prices for a product which is anything but New Zealand Manuka honey.

 

Why is Manuka honey so rare?

Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the flower of the Manuka bush (leptospermum scoparium) which is native only to New Zealand. It is the special nectar and the bee that give Manuka honey its unique properties. Manuka grows in some of New Zealand’s most remote areas and its flowers only produce nectar for approximately 3-4 weeks a year. Not only must beekeepers transport hives long distances, into hard to access locations, but they must do so at just the right time to ensure the bees can source the Manuka nectar. Compounding the constrained supply problem is rapidly growing global demand – Manuka honey contains signature compounds not available in other types of honey and its unique properties are becoming understood by consumers around the world.

 

What is Manuka honey and what is not?

In December 2017, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) finalised a scientific definition that can be used to authenticate whether or not a particular honey is New Zealand Manuka honey. From February 2018, all honey labelled as “Manuka” for export from New Zealand must be tested by an MPI-recognised laboratory to make sure it meets the new Manuka honey definition.

Further customer protection is provided by the UMF™ Honey Association of New Zealand (www.umf.org.nz). Their UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor™) grading system appraises additional natural markers found in Manuka Honey to assure purity and quality. Unlike other grading systems which measure just one or two markers, only the UMF™ testing process measures all three unique signature compounds, Leptosperin, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Methylglyoxal (MGO) present in high quality, genuine Manuka honey. All Manuka honey carrying the UMF™ mark must be independently tested in adherence with Ministry of Primary Industries and UMF™ Honey Association guidelines before it can be certified with a UMF™ grading to indicate the level of unique properties in each jar. It is estimated that more than 80% of genuine Manuka honey exported from New Zealand carries the UMF™ mark.

 

How to purchase genuine UMF™ Manuka Honey?

Follow these step-by-step guidelines to ensure you purchase only the highest quality, genuine UMF™ Manuka Honey:

1. The UMF™ mark is displayed clearly on the label
2. The UMF™ grading is at least 5+ or higher
3. The UMF™ licensee name and number is displayed on the label
4. The UMF™ licensee name and number are registered on www.umf.org.nz
5. A batch number printed on each jar is endorsed by an official UMF™ Certificate
6. The Manuka honey is harvested, packed and labelled in New Zealand

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The WildCape Manuka Honey Range

What our customers are saying...

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 703 reviews.

Customer photo review of UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Luscious taste! I am planning to eat one teaspoon with my morning tea for health and immune-boost every morning! Thank you!

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

I am weaning off PPI'S. This honey combined with a medicinal tea helped me over the first hump. I will be continuing to use when I take the next step.

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

So far so good. Not expecting miracles, but hope to feel better soon. Just feeling rundown.

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

A friend told me about how Manuka honey healed her burn quickly with no blistering and how much better she feels overall - I'm in! Taking a teaspoon- tablespoon every day

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

I'm really enjoying the honey. The taste is earthy and you can tell it is something special.

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

I have been a loyal consumer for at least 5 years I think. I recently had to stop using the honey as I healed from some health issues. I believe that this honey has helped me maintain descent gut health and it's just a cleaner, viable part of my health regime.

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

I had a problem with the delivery of my first order and contacted the company. They immediately took care of the matter with a satisfactory response. The customer service is excellent! I have been taking manuka honey for several years and I have tried various different brands. This is honey is so smooth and is the best tasting honey yet!

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

I've tried many manuka honey brands and find this one to be excellent, especially for the sale price I paid. I will be ordering more!

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Customer photo review of UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

This is what I’ve been giving my 97yr. Old mother, and it’s been helping her extremely well, she is very cognitive! Thanks Ron!

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

Customer photo review of UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Best honey guys!🍯 Just ordered another jar yesterday. Amazing honey for your health and immune system!

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Customer photo review of UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Amazing product! Guys, Highly recommend honey from this company! Really delicious, creamy and just perfect for your health! I just put a tea spoon every morning in my tea and it taste great!

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Have researched and tried many brands over the years. Love yours the most! Not much for sharing pix or vids. But will def just keep buying this. Thanks!

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Customer photo review of UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

A spoonful every evening is keeping me healthy. I’ve rebuilt my immune system & have not had a cold, fever, cough, pneumonia, COVID, flu, etc in over 2.5 years. This from an old gal that constantly got sick.

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

Not only is this honey delicious, easy to use and has positive health benefits, the company is very responsible. I had reordered and the jar came in it's box, having leaked a little during shipping. I let the company know and they replaced the jar quickly and without further cost to me. EXCELLENT customer service for a very valued product! First class all the way!

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

Customer photo review of UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

Wild Cape is in my top two Manuka Honey suppliers. It's great quality and has really helped heal my mouth after dental surgery and has kept me from sore throats and colds last winter. Also is great for the gut and acid reflux. I also use it on my face for a small dry patch caused by psoriasis. It truly is this little miracle worker and especially when you get above the 800 MGO rating. I do buy others but this is right at the top of my list. Great stuff.

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

My wife an I have eliminated all sweetners for our coffee as Wild Cape Manuka 15+ makes your coffee the perfect blend of just a bit of sweetness while giving you the daily benefits of Manuka honey. Two cups a day each and 1 spoonful of Wild Cape Manuka Honey in each cup and no more sugar or artificial sweetners !

UMF™ 15+ / MGO 514 Manuka Honey

Very tasty. I eat a spoonful every morning …well sometimes during the day or before bed I’ve tried many other brands and found this to be best and a bit more affordable

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey

This honey is an excellent product and well worth the price. Not only is it delicious in dishes but also quite effective as a shallow wound dressing for my dog. I try to keep a couple of jars in stock, each for designated purposes.

UMF™ 20+ / MGO 829 Manuka Honey