Manuka Honey

  • Manuka Honey FAQ

Manuka Honey FAQ

Q: Is Comvita the leading Manuka Honey company?

Comvita is New Zealand's leading producer of Manuka Honey.

Q: What does UMF™ mean?

The UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) trademark was established by the Unique Manuka Factor™ Honey Association (UMFHA). The UMF™ grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka honey and assures purity & quality. This is compliant with the recent interim labeling guidelines published by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Not all Manuka Honeys are UMF™ rated – only those which have been independently tested and verified by UMFHA are given a UMF™ rating. For more information visit www.umf.org.nz

Q: How can I convert MGO to UMF™ or vice versa?

MGO does not convert to UMF™.

The UMF™ grading system measures four unique signature compounds – Leptosperin, DHA, MGO and HMF - that science has proven to be found in pure, authentic, quality New Zealand Mānuka honey.

MGO are single-compound measures and cannot convert to the UMF™ rating which is a combination of factors selected to assure quality aspects that matter when delivering quality products to consumers.

 

Q: What is the meaning of UMF™ 5+, UMF™ 10+, and UMF™ 15+?

The UMF™ grading system has two components that are expressed on any UMF™ licensed honey product: 1. The label claim that it is Manuka, 2. The number - this represents three chemical markers that indicate the content of this honey to ensure purity and quality. This includes the key chemical markers DHA, MGO, and Leptosperin. For more information visit http://www.umf.org.nz/grading-system

Q: Why is Manuka Honey more expensive than other honeys?

Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and to obtain pure Manuka Honey is a specialized task for beekeepers. Manuka Honey is more difficult to extract and has a limited harvest period of 2-6 weeks as it is only collected at certain times of the year. The unique properties of Manuka Honey are well understood by consumers around the world, thereby creating a continually high level of demand.

Q: Why does honey’s color and texture vary?

Honey is a natural product, influenced by seasonal and regional conditions. Some areas produce paler honey than others. Like a good wine, honey will grow in flavor and darken with age.

Q: What is added to Comvita honey?

Comvita honeys are pure with no additives.

Q: Diabetes – can I take your honey?

Nectar from plants is the sugar source for honey. It is collected by bees, stored and ripened in the hive. The resulting honey is rich in natural fructose and glucose. Diabetics should consult their healthcare professional before consuming honey.

Q: Can Manuka Honey be taken during pregnancy?

Manuka Honey has been taken by pregnant women for many years with no reported problems as a result of its ingestion.

Q: Can children take Manuka Honey?

We do not recommend that honey be given to children under the age of one.

Q: Can I use a jar of Manuka Honey on my wound?

No. Manuka Honey that is purchased in a jar is for oral/internal use only. Comvita® recommends sterile medical grade honey for use on wounds.

Q: Is Comvita Manuka Honey Halal certified?

Yes. Our 100% pure and Halal Manuka Honey products adhere to FIANZ's (Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand) stringent Halal certification standard for producing Halal food products.

Q: What is Comvita Manuka Honey’s best before date? How long can Comvita Manuka Honey be kept after opening?

Our UMF™ certified honey has a 3-year shelf life, and is true to label, ensuring the UMF™ level is guaranteed throughout the product's shelf life. 100% pure natural honey does not spoil if kept properly.

 

Propolis

  • Propolis FAQ

Propolis FAQ

Propolis is created by the bees from natural sap and resins found on trees. Trees produce these resins at the site of a plant injury and on new shoots. The bees collect the resin and carry it back to the hive where they mix beeswax and enzymes to make Propolis.
 
Propolis contains high levels of active bioflavonoids, with well-known antioxidant properties. Propolis helps to support and maintain a healthy immune system.
 

General FAQ

  • General FAQ

General FAQ

Honey can be taken from New Zealand to many other countries. However, the customs officials in each market are able to deny entry of products even if the product is legally sold in their country. Honey cannot be taken to Western Australia, Samoa, or Vanuatu. Please check with your local customs website.

At Comvita®, we understand nature and the way our bodies work. Our Natural Performance Process trademark demonstrates our commitment to harness the power of nature for your health, bringing you high-performance ingredients in a pure and powerful form.

Health Foods / Health Care: Comvita will not test finished products on animals (or fund third-party testing on animals) except when human safety is in question or when required by regulation, and providing there are no alternative test methods available.
 
Medihoney Category: Comvita and/or partners may only test finished products on animals for reasons of human safety, medical advancement, or where required by regulation(s). Wherever possible, alternative test methods are used.
 
Skincare: Comvita will not test finished products on animals (or fund third-party testing on animals) under any circumstances.