The unique properties of mānuka honey were first identified in 1981 by Dr Peter Molan MBE, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Waikato and researcher at the NZ Waikato Honey Research Unit.
Since then, mānuka honey has become one of the most studied natural foods in the world — a complex substance containing more than 2,000 bioactive compounds, with the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF™) system now serving as the industry's only independent quality standard.
Overseen by the UMF Honey Association in partnership with the University of Waikato Honey Research Unit, the UMF™ mark certifies purity, potency, authenticity and freshness — traceable batch by batch at umf.org.nz.
Each factor is tested independently and must clear a minimum threshold before a batch can carry its UMF™ number. These are the New Zealand industry's official published thresholds.
| Quality Factor | UMF™ 5+ | UMF™ 10+ | UMF™ 15+ | UMF™ 20+ | UMF™ 25+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGO (Methylglyoxal)Potency | 83 mg/kg | 261 mg/kg | 512 mg/kg | 826 mg/kg | 1197 mg/kg |
| LeptosperinAuthenticity | >100 mg/kg | >150 mg/kg | >200 mg/kg | >200 mg/kg | >200 mg/kg |
| DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)Shelf-life | >150 mg/kg | >250 mg/kg | >400 mg/kg | >500 mg/kg | >500 mg/kg |
| HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural)Freshness | <40 mg/kg | <40 mg/kg | <40 mg/kg | <40 mg/kg | <40 mg/kg |
Source: UMF Honey Association published grading thresholds. MGO gives mānuka honey its antibacterial strength; Leptosperin is unique to mānuka nectar and confirms genuine origin; DHA converts to MGO over time and governs shelf-life; HMF confirms the honey hasn't been overheated or stored too long.
A natural sweetener to support a healthy lifestyle.
A more potent product for everyday health and wellness.
Higher potency for additional nutritional support.
Sourced to consistent, industry-standard criteria — not a blend.
Only NZ monofloral mānuka with proven bioactivity, UMF™ 5+ or higher.
Bioactivity changes over time — every batch carries a Best Before date.
From Leptospermum scoparium — a single tree species unique to NZ.
Every licence number is checkable, batch by batch, at umf.org.nz.
Honey is composed mostly of sugars, alongside water, enzymes, minerals, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Mānuka's antibacterial and antioxidant properties come from its concentration of methylglyoxal, interacting with compounds unique to the mānuka myrtle tree.