The Kitchen Duo

Mānuka honey is a rare and highly sought-after honey produced exclusively in New Zealand from the nectar of the native Mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which blooms for only a six-week window each year. This short flowering period, combined with the remote locations in which these trees grow, makes Mānuka honey particularly scarce and valuable. 

What truly sets Mānuka honey apart from regular table honey is its unique antibacterial properties, due to the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO) — the superstar compound that gives Mānuka Honey these properties. The higher the MGO level, the more potent your Mānuka Honey is.

Mānuka honey contains over 2000 naturally occurring bioactive compounds, such as  methylglyoxal (MGO), which is a compound that is scientifically proven to give Manuka Honey its health benefits. Often used in skincare, wellness routines, and as a versatile natural sweetener, in general certified Manuka honey (with a UMF or MGO rating) is valued for its purity and quality. It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, and we advise that you read the label to ensure the product is safe for you. 

Find out more here.

All our honey is 100% raw and unpasteurised. Our hives are located deep within New Zealand’s untouched native forests, which allows our bees to collect pure nectar directly from the Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) tree.

To ensure the highest quality, every batch undergoes independent laboratory testing to confirm it is non-GMO, glyphosate residue-free, and antibiotic-free

Methylglyoxal (MGO for short) is the superstar compound that gives Manuka Honey its antibacterial properties and is an important measure of its potency. The higher the MGO level, the more concentrated, and therefore more powerful, the manuka honey is.

MGO can be measured alongside UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor), which is a more robust grading system used in New Zealand. You will see both the MGO level and UMF grade displayed on our labels to help ensure customers can easily understand the different strengths and what they mean.

UMF stands for Unique Mānuka Factor and is the leading, independently certified quality assurance system for New Zealand Mānuka honey. Recognised worldwide, it verifies the honey's potency, authenticity, purity, shelf life, and freshness. Products bearing the UMF™ trademark must meet strict standards set by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), ensuring consumers can trust the strength and quality of every jar.

Egmont Honey is a certified member of The UMF Honey Association, so any of our Mānuka Honey jars with a UMF badge is tested and verified by a UMFHA approved laboratory before going to market. This means you can rest assured that you’re purchasing 100% pure and authentic Mānuka Honey from us.

The simple answer is that genuine Mānuka honey, particularly UMF-certified varieties, is far more than just a natural sweetener. With scientifically supported antibacterial properties, due to the naturally occurring compounds in Mānuka honey, it’s recognised globally as a premium natural health product, making it difficult to compare to standard supermarket honey.

Producing authentic Mānuka honey is a highly specialised process. The Mānuka tree blooms for only a few weeks each year in remote parts of New Zealand, making the nectar both rare and challenging to gather. Here at Egmont Honey, our hives are strategically placed in isolated areas across the South Taranaki region, some so remote they can only be reached by helicopter. Every batch of Manuka honey also undergoes rigorous testing to verify its purity, potency, and UMF rating, with strict quality controls in place to ensure each jar meets the highest standards for authenticity and traceability.

Our different coloured labels represent the unique grades of our Mānuka Honey as well as the different uses.

Orange Label: Everyday Wellbeing
This is our entry-level Mānuka Honey, starting at MGO 50+. It features a multifloral blend that combines Mānuka nectar with other native wildflowers such as Pōhutukawa, Rewarewa, Kāmāhi, and Rātā. Smooth and versatile. It is perfect for everyday use whether stirred into teas, lathered on toast, or used in cooking and baking.

Green Label: Soothe & Vitality
This range features UMF-certified Monofloral Mānuka Honey — pure Mānuka with no other floral sources added. With UMF ratings from 5+ to 10+, it offers elevated levels of MGO and naturally occurring compounds. Best enjoyed straight from the spoon, drizzled over cereal, or blended into smoothies.

Red & Black Label: Intense Support
These are our premium high-grades of Mānuka Honey. With some of the highest levels of MGO, known for its powerful bioactive compounds and scientifically supported to provide antibacterial benefits. This range is best kept on the top shelf and savoured by the spoonful for maximum benefit.