Mānuka honey is often referred to as liquid gold, and for good reason. Unlike regular honey, this rare and highly sought-after variety comes with a premium price tag. But why is Mānuka honey so expensive? If you’ve ever wondered what makes it different, this article will break down the key factors behind its cost and why it’s worth the investment.
1. Limited Geographic Origin
Mānuka honey is produced exclusively in New Zealand and certain parts of Australia, where the native Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) bush grows. Unlike standard honey, which can be produced worldwide, Mānuka honey is geographically restricted, making its supply limited.
The flowering period of the Mānuka bush is incredibly short - only two to six weeks per year. This means beekeepers have a very small window to collect nectar, and any adverse weather conditions can significantly reduce honey production for that season.
2. Complex and Labour-Intensive Harvesting Process
Harvesting Mānuka honey is no simple task. Beekeepers must place hives in remote locations, often requiring off-road vehicles to transport beekeeping equipment due to the rough terrain. Unlike traditional honey farming, Mānuka honey requires meticulous extraction, filtering, and testing to ensure its purity and potency.
Beekeepers must also deal with natural challenges such as climate variations, hive diseases, and unpredictable nectar flow, all of which can further limit honey production. The honey is carefully extracted without overheating to preserve its beneficial properties. This level of precision and care further contributes to its higher price.
3. MGO and UMF Certification – Ensuring Quality
Unlike regular honey, Mānuka honey is graded for its Methylglyoxal (MGO) content and Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) rating, which determine its potency and effectiveness. Higher MGO and UMF ratings indicate greater antibacterial properties, making it a powerful natural remedy for wound healing, digestion, immune support, and skincare.
To ensure authenticity, every batch of Melora Mānuka Honey is independently tested, verified, and certified by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA). This rigorous testing process guarantees that you’re getting 100% genuine Mānuka honey, free from additives and contaminants.
What is the Difference Between MGO and UMF Ratings?
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MGO (Methylglyoxal): Measures the antibacterial activity and potency of the honey. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the honey’s antimicrobial properties.
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UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor): A grading system that considers MGO levels alongside other key compounds such as Leptosperin and DHA, providing a more comprehensive measure of quality.
These certifications are essential in preventing counterfeit products and ensuring that consumers receive authentic, high-quality Mānuka honey.
4. Strict Regulations and Quality Control
The New Zealand government enforces strict testing and certification to prevent counterfeit Mānuka honey from entering the market. This includes:
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Chemical marker analysis to confirm MGO content.
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DNA testing to verify the nectar source.
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Monofloral vs. multifloral testing to determine purity.
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Traceability from hive to jar.
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Independent laboratory verification to ensure consistency and reliability.
These processes add costs, but they ensure that consumers receive the highest quality and most effective Mānuka honey available.
5. High Demand and Limited Supply
Mānuka honey is widely recognised for its health benefits, leading to increasing global demand. However, due to its limited availability, supply cannot always keep up. With the growing interest in natural remedies and immune-boosting superfoods, the demand for authentic Mānuka honey has surged, further driving up its price.
Counterfeit or diluted honey is a growing concern, with some brands falsely claiming to offer genuine Mānuka honey. This makes it essential to choose trusted and certified brands like Melora to ensure you receive a pure and potent product.
6. Why Mānuka Honey is Worth the Investment
Despite its high cost, Mānuka honey is far superior to regular honey when it comes to health benefits and purity. Here’s why it’s worth every penny:
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Natural Antibacterial Properties – Thanks to its high MGO content, Mānuka honey is scientifically proven to combat bacteria and aid wound healing.
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Supports Gut Health – Mānuka honey can help soothe digestive issues, including acid reflux, IBS, and stomach ulcers.
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Boosts Immunity – A daily spoonful of Mānuka honey can help strengthen the immune system.
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Promotes Healthy Skin – Used as a natural skincare ingredient, Mānuka honey helps with acne, eczema, and hydration.
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Sore Throat Relief – Its natural soothing properties help ease sore throats and coughs, making it a must-have in the colder months.
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Natural Energy Booster – The unique composition of Mānuka honey provides a sustained energy release without the crash of artificial sweeteners.
7. Why Choose Melora for Pure, Genuine Mānuka Honey?
If you’re looking for the purest, most potent Mānuka honey, Melora is the number one choice. Here’s why:
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Authenticity Guaranteed – Every jar of Melora Mānuka Honey is UMF and MGO certified, ensuring genuine, high-quality honey.
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Traceability from Hive to Jar – We provide full transparency about where your honey comes from.
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Sustainably Sourced – Our ethical beekeeping practices ensure we protect both the bees and the environment.
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Independent Testing – Every batch is scientifically tested to confirm purity and potency.
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Versatile and Beneficial – Whether for immune support, skincare, or digestion, our honey is pure, raw, and packed with benefits.
Final Thoughts
Mānuka honey’s premium price reflects its rarity, production process, stringent testing, and unparalleled health benefits. When purchasing Mānuka honey, it’s essential to choose a trusted and certified brand like Melora to ensure you’re getting the real deal. With 100% pure, MGO-certified, and UMF-verified Mānuka honey, Melora provides the highest quality honey nature has to offer.
Ready to experience the benefits of genuine Mānuka honey? Shop Melora today!
