Manuka honey from NZ

Manuka Honey Production in New Zealand

The production of Manuka honey in New Zealand began when British settlers introduced honeybees to the country. The antibacterial activity of Manuka honey   was recognized in the 1980s, and in 2008, methylglyoxal (MGO) was identified as the key component responsible for this activity.  Today, Manuka honey is widely known and recognized across the world. However, not all Manuka honey from New Zealand has the same activity level or quality. There are various species of Manuka trees, but the  Incanum variety, which contains high levels of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – a precursor necessary for MGO production – predominantly grows in areas north of Auckland.

Furthermore, the more remote and challenging the environment, the higher the activity level of the honey. For this reason, TCN operates its  beekeeping activities in the mountainous regions of northern New Zealand’s North Island, far from paved roads, farmlands, pastures, and homes— deep within the natural home of the Incanum species. To obtain high-activating honey, precise analysis data and year-round management of the bees’ health are essential. Additionally, the  harsh conditions and heavy labor involved in these environments come with significant risks.

Beekeeping in New Zealand

In New Zealand beekeeping, the use of antibiotics or antimicrobial agents is strictly prohibited. Unlike in some other countries, including Japan,  where antibiotics may be mixed into the bees’ feed, such practices are not allowed in New Zealand. Additionally, when honey is imported  into Japan, it undergoes testing for antibiotic residues, ensuring safety. However, it is unfortunate that many beekeepers feed their bees sugar water. This sugar water does not help bees recover from fatigue, and it may  lead to the disposable use of bees.

At TCN’s Manuka honey research and harvesting sites in New Zealand, bees store the nectar they collect during the off-season, and for disease  prevention purposes, this nectar is always returned to the same hive. This practice ensures that the next generation of bees remains strong and  high-quality honey can be expected. The reason TCN collaborates with small-scale beekeepers is that larger-scale operations tend to involve more artificial methods of beekeeping,  distancing themselves from nature. Guided by the belief that “customer health originates from the health of bees,” TCN prioritizes sustainable  beekeeping, producing honey with minimal stress on the bees, allowing them to work as naturally as possible.

Manuka Trees and New Zealand

In New Zealand, the trunk and leaves of the Manuka tree have been used for various purposes since ancient times. A well-known story involves  Captain Cook, who, upon discovering New Zealand in 1769, treated his scurvy-stricken sailors by giving them tea brewed from Manuka leaves,  as recommended by the Māori people. Additionally, there are traditional remedies such as using the smoke from burning dried Manuka branches and  leaves to treat affected areas. For more information, refer to experienced beekeeper’s blog titled, “Medicinal Properties of the Manuka Tree.”

Traditional remedies that have been passed down through generations are recognized for their efficacy and safety by the people who have long  used them. It is our hope that the Manuka trees in New Zealand will continue to thrive and remain unaffected by changes in the natural  environment, the expansion of farmland, and deforestation.