TCN Manuka Honey Story

The mechanisms of its high-activity compound are being researched globally. Since the 1990s, Manuka honey has started to spread globally. TCN has been deeply involved in the beekeeping industry in New Zealand since that time, dedicated to the production of high-quality Manuka honey. The natural active substance MGO in Manuka honey continues to be  studied by researchers around the world, and recent years have brought forth new discoveries.

The health compound in Manuka honey, methylglyoxal (MGO), is derived from its precursor, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which transforms into MGO over time. DHA is originally abundant in the nectar of natural Manuka flowers and gradually converts into MGO. In other words, consuming Manuka honey during the peak period of MGO will provide the most benefit.  As MGO gradually decreases after this peak, it is crucial for us as manufacturers to accurately identify and provide honey during this optimal period.

The explanation above suggests that the concentration of the health compound MGO tends to fluctuate rapidly over time. Even within the same  batch of Manuka honey, differences in MGO levels can arise due to factors such as the location of honey extraction and the beekeeping environment. Therefore, it is crucial for manufacturers to accurately predict these variations and ensure that MGO levels remain stable when delivering the product to customers. Even if the current MGO content matches what is stated on the package, if the raw material is inherently unstable, the MGO levels can diminish rapidly.  As a manufacturer, it is crucial to select raw materials that do not lead to rapid degradation of MGO. This means having the expertise to assess and choose the right raw materials is absolutely essential. Ensuring that the MGO content remains as stated until the very last spoonful of the product is achieved through extensive experience in beekeeping and  a deep understanding of the raw materials used. This expertise is crucial, as blending various Manuka honeys collected from different locations and  mass-producing them can lead to uncertainty in how MGO levels behave.

For comparison, it’s similar to a rare wine made from grapes grown in specific countries or regions. The value of rare wine is determined by the  delicate flavors and aromas unique to the grapes from each origin. Understanding the character of the grapes is crucial during production, and  winemakers utilize their skills and experience to maximize the quality of the raw materials. On the other hand, mass-produced wines do not focus on the individuality of the region, but are blended uniformly to stabilize flavor and maximize production efficiency. Similarly, the activity and stability of MGO in Manuka honey depend on when, where, and from which Manuka tree the nectar  was harvested. Moreover, unlike wine, the MGO content cannot be judged by taste alone. So how can we distinguish the quality of Manuka honey? First, we only use honey where we thoroughly understand the characteristics  of the raw material. Since external factors like weather can also alter these characteristics, it is essential to conduct repeated inspections of the raw materials. Through this process, we refine our judgment and accumulate experience in handling the raw honey. There is no other sure method than this steady effort.

Since the health compound MGO is affected by the passage of time, the Manuka honey industry must handle products at a higher standard than before. Instead of importing finished products, it is crucial to transport the raw materials to Japan and carry out production domestically.  How to deliver high-quality products to our customers is a challenge that requires steady effort. Delicate Manuka honey requires delicate quality control. Third-party sellers (such as retail stores) that are not directly involved in its production often lack the necessary experience to ensure quality control, making it difficult to guarantee the integrity of its components. In fact, many sellers are  unaware of this reality and manage and sell Manuka honey in the same way they do with regular honey. This reflects the current state of the industry today.

However, it’s not just about importing raw materials and bottling them. It’s crucial to understand the unique characteristics of the harvested Manuka honey and craft the final product accordingly. Since the composition of Manuka honey varies depending on the region and harvest location, it is essential  to have a thorough understanding of each component. Moreover, products made from mass-produced raw materials collected from various regions in New Zealand inevitably lose the unique characteristics of  each batch, straying far from the pure form they should be. We don’t engage in such product manufacturing. Instead, we guarantee an  integrated system of production, management, and sales to ensure the highest quality products for our customers.

Our Japanese experienced beekeeper living in New Zealand uses his expertise and beekeeping skills to meticulously evaluate each batch of raw materials.  Only those deemed suitable for production are shipped to Japan. Upon arrival, the Manuka honey undergoes an assessment to predict when the MGO content will peak. Based on this analysis, we work backwards to manufacture only the necessary number of small batches, carefully considering sales trends. Since this meticulous process involves frequent manufacturing, it does require additional effort. However, it enables us to consistently deliver Manuka  honey to our customers at its peak in terms of active compound. Of course, while maintaining our focus on MGO, we are equally committed to perfecting the honey’s flavor, texture, and overall ease of consumption.

At TCN, Manuka honey undergoes testing starting right after harvest. Before the raw honey leaves New Zealand, it goes through a final inspection on-site.  If the results do not meet our standards, shipment to Japan is canceled. Upon arrival in Japan, the honey is also subjected to customs inspections, including tests for pesticide residues. After bottling in our domestic facility, we again collect samples and send them to a New Zealand-based testing agency for a final analysis.  The results of this analysis are included in a report, which is delivered to you along with the product. By performing thorough checks at various stages,  we ensure that the quality is maintained at every point.

One jar (500g) is designed to be consumed over about one month. You can store it at room temperature for approximately three months after it arrives. Keeping it in a cool place will help stabilize the MGO levels. If you plan to consume it gradually over a longer period (more than four months),  store it in the refrigerator. Even if it hardens slightly, leaving it at room temperature for half a day to a day will soften it again. The consumption pace may vary depending on the customer’s needs. If you have any concerns about storage methods, feel free to contact us, and  we will provide detailed guidance. Proper aftercare is essential for this product—it’s not just about selling it, but rather the relationship with the product begins after purchase. ＊The storage duration and conditions for the components of Manuka honey vary depending on the honey handled by each manufacturer.  The storage guidelines and expiry periods mentioned above apply specifically to TCN Manuka Honey.

While we offer single-item purchases, we emphasize discounted subscription purchase plans. To truly experience the benefits of this health product,  it is necessary to consume 3 to 4 bottles (500g each, approximately one month’s supply) consistently. This recommendation is based on the feedback  we have received from many customers since we began sales in 1995. Additionally, by planning the number of items based on the orders from customers using the subscription service , we can produce efficiently and deliver products that are  as close to freshly bottled as possible. Since honey is originally harvested in limited quantities, there is a possibility of raw material shortages due to  future weather conditions or global circumstances. In such cases, we will prioritize securing products for our regular subscribers and may pause general sales. We consider this our responsibility as a  company to ensure that those who need our products receive them until the very end.

TCN primarily operates through online orders.  After receiving your order, each product is carefully shipped from our self-managed warehouse,  which maintains 24-hour temperature control. We do not sell through supermarkets or mass retailers. (However, we accept reservations at the  Mitsukoshi department store in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and deliver the products from our TCN warehouse at a later date.) This is because Manuka honey requires more strict temperature control compared to regular honey and is not suitable for long-term storage  in retail stores. Based on our extensive beekeeping experience, we understand the delicacy of Manuka honey and believe that delivering it to customers in the most reliable manner is the best approach.

The foundation of TCN lies in the long-standing overseas beekeeping experience (dating back to the late 1970s) of veteran beekeeper and founder  Shigeru Tsuji, and his encounter with small-scale beekeepers of Māori descent, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Their collaboration has been integral to the products we offer today. In New Zealand, beekeeping is divided between European-descended beekeepers and indigenous Māori beekeepers. The former often focus on  large-scale, efficient production, taking all the honey collected by the bees, sometimes replacing their winter feed with sugar syrup, and even  using pesticides and clearing natural forests for mass production. On the other hand, Māori beekeepers honor and revere nature and the gods, treating bees as a sacred gift from the gods. Their approach is deeply spiritual, reflecting a profound respect for the land and the bees they care for. These differences are not only technical but also rooted in cultural beliefs. Tsuji was deeply moved by the principles of the indigenous beekeepers, leading him to establish deep roots in this land. Over time, he shared the  Japanese philosophy of attention to detail and precision with the Māori beekeepers, building a relationship of mutual learning and trust.  This unique partnership and dedication are the reasons behind the exceptional quality of TCN Manuka honey today.

If you ever feel uncertain about the quality of our product, you have the option to send it for testing at New Zealand’s official analysis institution,  Analytica Laboratories. On the next page, we will provide detailed instructions on how to do this process. This option is available for any brand of Manuka honey, not just TCN products, ensuring a fair and impartial testing process. As the pioneering company in New Zealand where Japanese experienced beekeeper established Manuka honey beekeeping, we have unwavering confidence in our products  and are committed to transparency with our customers. Ultimately, we encourage you to verify the quality yourself, as it is the most reliable method of assurance. Finally, guided by our belief that “Customer health comes from bee health,” we are committed to producing consistently potent and unwaveringly  effective products. We look forward to building a lifelong relationship with each of our customers and will continue to dedicate ourselves to this mission.