Award-winning Manuka Honey brand steps up production to meet growing Global demand

Award-winning New Zealand honey brand, Manuka Health has opened the doors of a brand new $10-million dollar, purpose-built honey processing and distribution centre in Te Awamutu, on the North Island of New Zealand today.

The customised new facility is the largest honey factory in New Zealand and the investment represents a significant step in the development of New Zealand’s manuka honey industry. Manuka Health is a natural health company, and manuka honey is a key ingredient in its product portfolio.

“Through this development, we will be bringing the world’s attention to the value of manuka honey and the potential for trade and development. This new facility will enable us to continue our growth and increase exports,” said Manuka Health CEO Kerry Paul. “This is a milestone event in Manuka Health’s development as a global natural health business.”

“In only eight years we have initiated and grown a multi-million dollar business that takes natural New Zealand goodness, enhances it and shares it with Kiwis and the world.”

At the heart of Manuka Health’s success was the decision to capitalise on the scientific discovery of methylglyoxal, which is commonly known as MGO, as being responsible for the stable antibacterial activity in Manuka honey. This scientific discovery provided a credible point for manuka honey and associated products.

With the Ministry for Primary Industries announcing this year that MGO was to be used as a preferred measure for methylglyoxal content, Manuka Health can assure consumers that they are benefitting from the most potent and recognised manuka honey on the market.

Manuka Health has enjoyed a 30% increase in sales compared to the previous year and has further strengthened its distribution network. The new facility enables the company to triple production from 672 tonnes to 2,200 to meet growing demand, while bringing far greater scale and efficiencies.

The plant combines internationally accredited laboratories, honey-drum storage, blending, packing and distribution under one roof for the first time in the history of Manuka Health. Combined with an extensive investment in hives, hive health and research and development, Manuka Health can now count itself as a leader in the natural health space. The investment is already reaping rewards – with international customers from Asia and Europe, joining the team for the grand opening.

“We have taken a simple, raw product and through scientific methods we are able to preserve the bioactivity and potency of the natural ingredients. This innovative work improves the honey and makes it into a world leading, high value food and health product. We are committed to continuing R&D to provide the scientific evidence to support our product development.”

Manuka Health has enjoyed dramatic growth since starting out in 2006 and now exports to 45 countries.

Mr Paul says “Our new facility allows for continued growth and expansion, supporting our ongoing commitment to provide premium New Zealand natural products for the wellbeing of our customers throughout the world.”

Global macro trends including the ageing population and increased spending on health and well-being, particularly around preventative measures, bode well for the continued success of Manuka Health.