Is Australian Manuka Honey as Good as New Zealand’s?

In summary, both Australian and New Zealand Manuka honeys are GOOD! However, this article will delve deeper into the ongoing dispute surrounding the term 'Manuka honey' and explore the qualities of both.

Global Dispute Over Manuka Honey Labeling

Manuka honey is native to both Australia and New Zealand, and since 2015, the two countries have been engaged in an international dispute over the right to use the term. This controversy stems from New Zealand producers emphasizing the Maori origin of the word, while Australian producers believe they have the right to use it as well due to their long history of producing and exporting Manuka honey.

For those in the honey industry, this dispute was a significant development. The truth is, both New Zealand and Australian Manuka honeys possess incredible health benefits due to their high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), the compound responsible for their antimicrobial properties. Both countries use similar extraction methods, carefully harvesting nectar from Leptospermum flowers to ensure the honey retains its potency.

Global Recognition and Certification

In my experience, New Zealand Manuka honey is better known globally, largely due to the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) certification. More research has been conducted using UMF-certified Manuka honey to explore their healing effects, while less has been done for Australian Manuka honey. However, Australian Manuka is quickly gaining recognition with the introduction of the Total Activity (TA) certification, which also measures antimicrobial properties. Over the past decade, many research and studies have been conducted for TA-certified honey, particularly Jarrah Honey, to explore its healing effects.

As a Hives Keeper, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the research and studies, and I have also sent samples of our honey to research labs. For my team, we carry both UMF-certified Manuka Honey and TA-certified Jarrah Honey. Both are rigorously laboratory-tested for their potency. We ensure that our honey samples are sent to testing centers in both Australian and NZ's government-endorsed facilities to eliminate any biases. We have found that many people enjoy both New Zealand and Australian honeys.

Customer Preferences and Certifications

From my experience handling both UMF and TA-certified products, I find that New Zealand UMF-certified honey has strong international credibility. However, Australian Manuka honey and particularly TA-certified Jarrah Honey (Blackbutt and Marri Honey from Western Australia) is becoming a top choice for those seeking high-quality alternatives. The choice between the two depends on the specific type of Manuka honey and the product's certification.

Ultimately, it's not about where the honey comes from but whether it's properly certified and authentic. Both Australian and New Zealand Manuka honeys offer exceptional health benefits, and both are GOOD.

Based on my personal experience, I encourage you to try both and see which one suits you best. For any honey-related questions or to explore more ways to enjoy honey, feel free to reach out!

Your insights are invaluable, and I look forward to staying connected with you. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments!