From our archive: a New Zealand sourcing visit, with the Manuka buying information updated in September 2026.
This story began with a visit to the people and landscape behind our New Zealand honey. For current Manuka identification, New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries explains the chemical and DNA attributes used for exported Manuka honey.
If its good enough for Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)… he loves our Royal Manuka
Origin, processing and grading are separate questions. MGO and other grading marks describe particular criteria; they do not make a food jar a treatment for illness or a sterile wound product.
Read MPI’s current Manuka identification guidance when comparing origin claims.
I visited New Zealand to see the Manuka bushes for myself and learn about the bees that thrive in the clean alpine air of the South Island’s High Peak Country Estate. I spent time with beekeeper Tom Dunbar and from that meeting, we have gone on to form a collaboration selling our Royal Manuka.
High Peak and the Manuka growing landscape
Taking a tour of the terrain from above as we head to the glacier on the South Island
Hear the podcast with Tom Dunbar and see pics of those lovely bees and more of the beautiful landscape: My trip to New Zealand
The visit reinforced why the story behind a honey matters. Ask specific questions about the origin and label of the product you are considering.
