Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive? Is It Worth the Price?

If you've compared Manuka honey with everyday supermarket honey, you've probably wondered why there's such a big difference in price. Genuine New Zealand Manuka honey can cost several times more than ordinary honey.

From where it's produced to the rigorous testing and certification required, there are multiples reasons why authentic Manuka honey is one of the world's most premium honeys.

Manuka Doctor’s Head of ApiCulture Adam Rundle explains.

“Reports have shown that upto half of the Manuka honey sold around the world could actually be fake, and not meet the strict standards required” said Adam

“Genuine Manuka honey is thoroughly tested, packed and harvested in New Zealand, and you can rely on that for quality and standards. And yes, that is worth the extra.”

“Some companies which may appear cheap try to convey an impression of authenticity by making up their own logos and seals of approval. This is problematic for consumers because they may end up buying a product that isn’t as genuine as they think,” explains Adam, drawing the comparison:

“It’s like making sparkling wine and calling it champagne.”

• Produced in New Zealand from the Manuka bush called Leptospermum Scoparium
• The Manuka bush has a limited flowering season
• Our beehives are harvested in remote locations
• Every batch must be independently tested to meet the New Zealand government’s strict MPI standard to ensure only genuine Manuka Honey is exported
• Manuka Doctor’s honey is also independent tested for MGO ratings
• Due to it’s wellness properties, there is higher demand than supply

Leptospermum scoparium, to give the Manuka bush its full name, is an evergreen tree found in remote regions of New Zealand. It features thick branching with small leaves and white flowers that give a sweet scent that the bees absolutely love.

The Manuka bush is native to New Zealand, there is however a similar plant in Australia and buyers should be wary of Australian Manuka Honey being sold at a lower price.

One bee hive needs at least four acres of flowering plants to feed on, so our hives are carefully spaced across hundreds of thousands of acres of rugged New Zealand countryside.

Manuka bushes only flower for six to 12 weeks every summer but exactly when depends on a lot of variables, including the weather and where in New Zealand they are growing.

Coming into the summer flowering season, our team of bee keepers work seven days a week to make sure all the beekeepers and equipment are in the right place at the right time, as well as checking every hive is functioning at full strength before the Manuka bushes bloom in each area.

Our Hives are spread across hundreds of thousands of acres of rugged New Zealand countryside which makes harvesting difficult.

Tricky terrain and remote locations mean that helicopters are often required to access sites.

As Adam Rundle, Head of ApiCulture at Manuka Doctor, explains:

"Placing our hives in the right place is one of the biggest challenges” explains Adam

“Manuka only grows in specific regions of New Zealand, so suitable hive locations are incredibly limited. Every season we're working within a finite number of sites where the conditions are right for bees to forage predominantly from the Manuka flower."

“Unlike conventional honey, which can be harvested from a wide variety of flowering plants across large agricultural areas, Manuka honey depends on a relatively short flowering season in remote parts of New Zealand.

"The Manuka flowering window is brief, and Mother Nature ultimately decides how successful a season will be. Heavy rain, strong winds, and unusually cold temperatures can significantly reduce nectar production. Even after months of preparation, the weather can dramatically affect the size and quality of the annual harvest."

“These natural variables mean every harvest is different, making Manuka honey a truly seasonal product rather than one that can simply be produced on demand.

“Obtaining high-grade, pure Manuka honey is another challenge entirely. Our beekeepers work hard to position hives where bees will forage almost exclusively on Manuka. But bees don't recognise property boundaries - they'll visit whatever flowers are available. Finding locations that consistently produce high-purity Manuka honey takes years of local knowledge, careful site selection and constant monitoring throughout the season."

“Only a proportion of the honey collected will meet the high standards required for premium-grade Manuka honey. Every batch is rigorously tested and graded before it can carry its certified rating.”

"That’s why, when you buy authentic high-grade Manuka honey, you're paying for years of expertise and one of the most challenging honey harvests in the world."

Independent testing is crucial to maintaining the standards and quality of the New Zealand Manuka Honey industry.

The MPI Manuka Standard for Manuka Honey is a New Zealand law enforced by the government. This Government standard makes sure that:

• The honey is real Manuka honey
• The Manuka Honey is made by bees in New Zealand
• The Manuka honey has not been mixed or diluted with other honey
• The MPI Manuka Standard protects customers from buying FAKE Manuka Honey

For the Manuka honey, to be classed as genuine Manuka honey by the New Zealand Government and granted export licence, the honey must be tested in a New Zealand Government laboratory and pass specific scientific tests.

Our Manuka Honey is also independently tested for the MGO rating. This is tested in New Zealand and again in the UK at the Fera labs in York.

Traceability and rigorous, independent testing ensures the customer receives the genuine item but does have an impact on cost compared to local honey and supermarket honey which will not undergo such thorough checks.

With a limited supply of Manuka Honey harvested each year and rigorous testing to ensure only genuine Manuka Honey should enter the market there is an increasing demand for this premium honey.

This is why the customer should be wary of cheaper Manuka Honey on the shelf in supermarkets and available online. Due diligence in checking the provenance and testing of the product will help customers avoid purchasing fake Manuka Honey.

Sadly, food fraud is a problem for consumers across the globe. Shoppers for Manuka Honey should look for a well regarded New Zealand brand that proudly displays its credentials for traceability, testing and certification.

Our official Manuka Doctor New Zealand licences:

• UMF (1026), New Zealand Made (805337)
• Fernmark (100241)
• Ministry for Primary Industries in New Zealand registration (RMP HNZ06)

• Genuine New Zealand origin – look for the New Zealand Made logo
• MGO rating clearly displayed in the label
• Traceability – look for batch certificates and buy Manuka Honey that was packed in New Zealand.
• Tested to the New Zealand government standard – DO NOT BUY MANUKA HONEY IF IT HAS NOT PASSED THE MPI MANUKA STANDARD
• Tested at independent labs – Manuka Doctor proudly works with Hill Labs and Fera Labs

Finally, if you’re asking if Manuka honey is really worth the money, then read our verified reviews from over 100,000 customers who say it is.