New Zealand Mānuka Honey: Science Confirms Genetic Uniqueness And Urges Informed Choices For Consumers

• Peer-reviewed testing of mānuka honey samples and mānuka trees (Leptospermum scoparium) found that New Zealand varieties have a distinct genetic makeup to plants and honey from other regions
• The Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), an independent society committed to mānuka honey standards, is therefore urging consumers seeking out mānuka’s renowned antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to check for New Zealand origin to maximize their health benefits

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New scientific research solidifies the unique identity of New Zealand mānuka honey, highlighting its distinct genetic makeup and underpinning potential health benefits compared to honey varieties from other regions claiming to be the same as mānuka. This news empowers consumers to make informed choices when seeking genuine mānuka honey with its renowned antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

The Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), the trusted leader in mānuka honey quality and authentication, applauds the clarity for consumers of these latest findings. The two independent and peer-reviewed studies, one focusing on honey authenticity and the other on the genetic makeup of the mānuka tree, paint a clear picture:

1. Plant & Food Research - Unlocking the Genetic Fingerprint of Leptospermum scoparium*:

• A study by Plant & Food Research, published in Tree Genomes and Genetics, delved deep into the DNA of the mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) across New Zealand and Australia.
• The findings confirmed that mānuka trees from New Zealand and Tasmania (Australia) are genetically distinct enough to be considered separate species.

2. AgResearch Food Chemistry Advances - New Zealand Mānuka Honey Stands Apart*:

• A study by AgResearch, published in Food Chemistry Advances employed a new technique called laser-assisted rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (LA-REIMS) to analyze 67 honey samples labeled as "mānuka" from New Zealand and Australia.
• LA-REIMS successfully revealed distinct metabolic fingerprints for New Zealand and Australian varieties.

What This Means for Consumers:

The recent research underpins what has already been known by New Zealand’s indigenous Maori population for nearly 1,000 years. That New Zealand’s unique, native mānuka tree is an important source of healing properties and mānuka honey is part of a long history of healing.

"Consumers choosing mānuka honey for its health benefits need accurate information to select the ideal product," says Tony Wright, CEO of the UMFHA. "Stemming from a unique tree, with its unique genetic makeup and underpinned by an unmatched body of health applications, authentic New Zealand mānuka honey is a natural health product that stands alone. By choosing authentic, UMF-certified honey, you can truly harness it’s potency, multiple bioactive actions and experience one of the world's most delicious health and wellness products.”

The UMF advises that, in order to be sure you're getting genuine New Zealand mānuka honey, consumers should:

• Prioritize New Zealand Origin: Ensure the honey explicitly states its origin as New Zealand and was packed and sealed in New Zealand.
• Seek additional certifications: Certifications like the UMF™ quality system offer clear labeling and ensure rigorous testing standards are met.

The benefits of New Zealand’s Mānuka honey were originally demonstrated in wound care with medical grade manuka honey 40 years ago. Since then researchers have become interested in its applications for coughs, colds and sore throats, supporting the immune system, gut health, and skin care.

Notes to Editors:
*Plant & Food - Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis in Leptospermum scoparium (Myrtaceae) supports two highly differentiated endemic species in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia
**AGResearch Food Chemistry Advances - The rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry metabolite fingerprint of Leptospermum honey is strongly associated with geographic origin

About the Unique Manuka Factor® Honey Association:

The Unique Manuka Factor® Honey Association (UMFHA) is an independent New Zealand Incorporated society setting the quality standards for mānuka honey in New Zealand for the last 25 years. UMFHA members represent over 80% of mānuka honey retail product exporters. The UMFHA is committed to progressing science that furthers understanding of the benefits of mānuka honey and the processes to sustain premium quality. It advocates for the New Zealand industry with regulators internationally and promotes the commitment of New Zealand businesses to independently certified quality so buyers around the world can easily identify mānuka honey they can trust.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6545e98b-0257-44cb-b41d-d5bac1d28055

Media Contacts:
Toby Leston, Good Relations: [email protected]