Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a tiered range can give customers different price points and reasons to trade up. Each grade should have a distinct role, supported by appropriate packaging, stock forecasts and clear product information.

No. Your intended use, target market, expected quantities and price positioning are enough to begin discussing suitable options with Midlands. A final grade can be agreed once the product specification is clearer.

Not necessarily. A higher MGO rating indicates a greater concentration of methylglyoxal, but overall quality also depends on authenticity, testing, handling and other product characteristics. The appropriate grade depends on the intended application and product requirements.

NPA describes non-peroxide antibacterial activity, while MGO measures the concentration of methylglyoxal. Although related, they are different measurements.

No reliable universal conversion exists. KFactor does not directly measure methylglyoxal concentration, so a laboratory MGO result is needed to establish that value.

No. KFactor is a proprietary classification and quality assurance approach, while UMF is an independent certification and grading system. Their numbers should not be directly compared.

No. UMF is a voluntary certification system. However, honey labelled as Mānuka for export from New Zealand must meet MPI's separate scientific definition and testing requirements.

Yes. Honey may be tested and labelled with an MGO concentration without carrying UMF certification. Buyers should check the supporting laboratory evidence and applicable origin or export requirements rather than assuming that an MGO figure proves UMF certification.

UMF provides broader quality assurance because it assesses four factors. MGO remains useful for comparing methylglyoxal concentrations, but an MGO number alone does not provide the same certification.

UMF stands for Unique Mānuka Factor. It is a New Zealand certification and grading system that assesses MGO, leptosperin, DHA and HMF to provide information about Mānuka honey's potency, authenticity, shelf life and freshness.

Yes. Midlands supplies Mānuka honey sachets in your brand or ours. Retail-ready PURITI sachets are available with UMF 10+ MGO 300 Mānuka honey in 10g individual sachets, or private labels in your brand with the Mānuka grade of your choice.

Private label and own brand honey sachets can be developed for your brand. Packaging options will depend on your product and order requirements.

Yes. We can work with businesses looking for OEM honey sachet solutions. Contact us with your product requirements so we can discuss suitable supply options.

Yes. Midlands can supply honey sachets for private label and own brand products. Talk to our team about your product, packaging, branding and volume requirements.

The answer depends on your retailer, destination market and supply agreement. Commercial buyers commonly look for recognised food safety programmes such as SQF or an appropriate equivalent, alongside HACCP based controls and applicable regulatory programmes such as an RMP.

No. UMF is a voluntary certification system. Genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey does not universally have to carry the UMF mark. Honey labelled as Mānuka for export must, however, meet applicable New Zealand regulatory requirements.

No. MPI sets the scientific criteria that honey labelled as Mānuka must meet for export from New Zealand. UMF is a separate, voluntary certification and rating programme that provides additional assurance about Mānuka honey authenticity and quality. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Not by itself. MGO is a measurement of methylglyoxal concentration. Buyers should establish who performed the test, which batch it relates to and what other authenticity and traceability evidence supports the claim.

The MPI definition is the New Zealand Government's scientific test for Mānuka honey, using four chemical markers and Mānuka pollen DNA. UMF™ is a quality mark that confirms the honey is genuine Mānuka and grades it using MGO, leptosperin, DHA and HMF.

Only if the brand holds its own UMFHA licence. Most private label products show the MGO grade instead, while the honey is still packed to UMF™ standards.

Yes, tariffs apply to Mānuka honey imported into the USA. Midlands Apiaries can quote with or without duty included.

Jarred Mānuka honey is classified under HS code 0409.00.00.

Yes. Commercial honey can be imported into the USA when it comes from an FDA-registered facility and clears customs with the correct documents.

Ask for evidence of MPI-compliant testing, batch traceability and a Certificate of Analysis. Where UMF certification is used, also confirm the product meets the UMF Honey Association’s certification requirements.

Not necessarily. MGO measures methylglyoxal conce ntration and does not determine whether honey is monofloral or multifloral. Buyers should check the product’s MPI classification, MGO or UMF grade, and laboratory results.

No. Monofloral is a scientific classification based on the chemical and DNA characteristics of the finished honey. Bees naturally forage from multiple floral sources, so it does not mean every source of nectar was Mānuka.

Yes. Multifloral Mānuka honey can be genuine Mānuka honey if it meets New Zealand MPI’s multifloral definition. It is a separate classification from monofloral Mānuka, not an indication of lower authenticity.

Monofloral Mānuka honey has a stronger Mānuka floral signature and must meet higher MPI monofloral thresholds.Multifloral Mānuka contains Mānuka alongside other floral sources and meets different MPI thresholds.

Not necessarily, but UMF certification can provide useful assurance around Mānuka honey authenticity, potency and quality.

Food-grade Mānuka honey should not be treated as a substitute for regulated medical-grade wound-care products.

Yes. Higher UMF grades have higher minimum MGO levels, but that does not automatically mean better performance in a finished skincare product.

There is no universal best MGO level for skincare. The appropriate level depends on the formulation, inclusion rate and product requirements.

Not necessarily. UMF 15+ contains more MGO than UMF 10+, but finished-product performance depends on the complete formulation.

The best grade depends on the finished product, market positioning, target price and intended use. Midlands supplies multiple UMF™ grades and can discuss the most commercially appropriate specification for a particular product.

Yes. Honey is used in a variety of skincare and personal care formulations, including creams, masks and cleansers. Cosmetic manufacturers should assess formulation stability, preservation and applicable claims requirements.

It can replace some or all of the sweetener in certain formulations, but it is not always a direct one-for-one substitution. Honey adds moisture and affects flavour, browning and texture, so product trials and formulation adjustments may be required.

Mānuka honey can be used in food, beverages, confectionery, bakery products, dairy, skincare and selected wellness products. Suitability depends on the formulation, manufacturing process and destination-market requirements.

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Honey is usually harvested from removable honey supers that sit above the brood area where the queen lives. Beekeepers inspect hive structure before harvesting and avoid removing frames containing brood or the queen.

The colony can face food stress, weaken, or need supplementary feeding. In severe cases, not having enough in reserve can contribute to colony loss.

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Yes. Honey normally comes from areas kept separate from the queen and brood, and beekeepers check the hive structure and handle frames carefully.

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Responsible beekeepers will always check the colony first and leave suitable food stores based on season, climate, hive strength and expected forage.

Yes. Bees fall back on stored honey whenever nectar isn't available, including through poor weather and colder periods.

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Careful harvesting shouldn't deliberately harm bees, but hive work does cause some disturbance and accidental losses can happen. Skilled handling helps keep the risk to a minimum.

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Yes. Packaging material, weight, recyclability, manufacturing, transport efficiency and end-of-life handling can all contribute to environmental impact. Packaging claims should be specific and supported by evidence.

No. Traceability helps verify origin and handling, but it does not by itself prove good environmental or social performance. It is one part of a wider sustainability assessment.

Look for transparent sourcing, batch traceability, documented bee-health practices, emissions or environmental measurement, credible certification and evidence of progress against clear targets.

It can support native regeneration when it is appropriate to the site and part of a well-designed restoration plan. Planting Mānuka by itself is not automatic proof of biodiversity improvement.

No. New Zealand origin and a Mānuka floral source do not prove that a honey product has been produced sustainably. Look for evidence of responsible practices and current, verifiable environmental claims.

It can be produced in an environmentally responsible way, but no responsible assessment should rely on the floral source alone. Land management, hive practices, processing, packaging, transport, emissions and supplier conduct all matter.

Yes. Each finished batch is tested and reviewed as part of the product-release process.

The filters mainly remove visible beeswax and occasional bee parts or other visible hive-related material.

It passes through 100- to 150-micron nylon filter bags.

Warming reduces viscosity, making the honey easier to blend, transfer, filter and bottle.

It is typically warmed at approximately 45°C for up to two days. During filtration, it may briefly reach approximately 65°C for seconds before being rapidly cooled below 20°C.

No. Midlands’ raw honeydew honey is not pasteurised. Limited warming may be used to support handling, filtration and bottling.

No. Honeydew describes the source collected by bees. Raw describes how the honey has been handled after harvest.

Kāmahi honey's colour, aroma and flavour naturally vary batch to batch due to differences in harvest timing, location and nearby floral sources, so tasting notes and batch specs matter when consistency is important.

Some Kāmahi samples have shown antibacterial activity in laboratory research. That is not evidence that it treats illness or that all jars perform in the same way.

Kāmahi honey comes from Aotearoa New Zealand, where kāmahi is a native forest tree found across a wide range of regions.

Yes. Use it in marinades, sauces, roasted vegetable glazes, baking and dressings. Add it later in cooking when you want its flavour to stand out.

Cold storage helps preserve the quality and properties of flaxseed oil. After opening, Midlands recommends refrigerating the oil and keeping the container securely closed to limit exposure to heat, light and air. Unopened oil should be stored in a cool and dry conditions according to the supplier’s instructions and the requirements for the specific format purchased.

Not on its own. Buyers should also check batch records, certification, origin details and traceability. New Zealand export Mānuka honey must meet separate MPI authenticity-testing requirements.

No. MGO measures methylglyoxal, while UMF is a wider quality-assurance system that assesses MGO alongside other factors, including DHA, leptosperin and HMF.

UMF 15+ is a higher grade, but it is not always the better choice. UMF 10+ may offer better value, while UMF 15+ can suit premium retail or gifting.

Yes. UMF 10+ is a recognised mid-range Mānuka honey grade. It can suit everyday premium buyers and commercial ranges needing broad customer appeal.

For many buyers, UMF 10+ is a good all-round option. It suits core retail, gifting and private-label ranges, balancing a recognised grade with accessible premium positioning.

New Zealand Mānuka honey is internationally recognised for its authenticity, traceability and certification standards. Working directly with a New Zealand manufacturer helps provide confidence in product origin, supply continuity, quality assurance and access to certified UMF-graded Mānuka honey for Australian wholesale and private label programmes.

Yes. We support private label, white label, OEM and own-brand Mānuka honey programmes for Australian businesses. Our services can include packaging options, compliance support, export-ready supply and assistance with bringing premium New Zealand Mānuka honey products to market.

Yes. Midlands Apiaries supplies wholesale Mānuka honey to Australian retailers, distributors, importers, e-commerce brands and commercial product manufacturers. Supply options can be tailored by UMF grade, packaging format, order volume and intended market channel.

Australian businesses can source bulk Mānuka honey from certified New Zealand manufacturers and suppliers. Midlands Apiaries supplies bulk and wholesale Mānuka honey to Australian distributors, retailers, food manufacturers and private label brands, with a range of UMF grades and commercial packaging formats available.

It can be suitable for selected applications, especially where a richer flavour and darker colour add value. Buyers should complete sensory, processing and shelf-life trials before full-scale production.

Honeydew honey can crystallise, but it often remains liquid for longer than many floral honeys. Storage conditions and batch composition will affect the result.

Honeydew honey is typically darker because of its distinctive source and composition. Colour can vary by harvest, origin and batch.

Yes. Honeydew honey is often richer and more malty, woody or earthy than floral honey. Floral honey is usually more recognisably sweet and may have floral or fruity notes.

Rātā honey pairs well with toast, pastries, yoghurt, mild cheeses, tea and light desserts such as baked fruit or panna cotta. Its gentle flavour adds sweetness without overpowering other ingredients.

Rātā is often positioned as a premium New Zealand varietal honey because of its limited availability, native origin and refined flavour. It is well suited to speciality retail, gifting and food-focused customers.

Rātā honey is made from the nectar of Southern Rātā, a native New Zealand tree. It is associated with high-rainfall native forest areas, including parts of the South Island’s West Coast.

Rātā honey is valued for its smooth texture, delicate flavour and seasonal availability. Southern Rātā does not flower heavily every year, so honey volumes can vary from one season to the next. 

Not necessarily. Rātā is often perceived as clean and gently sweet, while Mānuka usually has a stronger, earthier flavour. Sweetness and flavour can vary between harvests, floral conditions and product formats.

Yes. Midlands supports business buyers looking for bulk and wholesale Mānuka honey supply, including opportunities for large-volume purchasing and export supply.

Award-winning Mānuka honey suggests that a supplier can produce premium honey with consistent quality, strong presentation, and repeatable product performance across batches or grades.

Honey awards help business buyers identify products with strong quality and market appeal. They are especially valuable when supported by a manufacturer with reliable quality systems, consistent production, and the ability to supply at commercial scale.

Midlands-produced Mānuka honey products achieved multiple awards in 2026, including PURITI winning Gold for UMF 10+ and Gold for UMF 20+. Additional products produced within the wider Midlands operation also achieved Platinum, Gold, and Silver results across multiple UMF grades.

It pairs well with cheeses, roasted vegetables, meats, yoghurt, and herbal teas.

It may support gut health by acting as a prebiotic and feeding beneficial bacteria.

 It may help soothe irritation due to its coating effect and natural properties.

Thyme honey can be enjoyed as a natural sweetener in food and drinks, while also being valued for its antioxidant properties, distinct herbal flavour, and use in wellness and skincare applications.

Yes. Midlands Apiaries is a New Zealand Manuka honey manufacturer and supplier, supporting wholesale, bulk, private label, and branded supply for distributors, retailers, and importers in the US and other global markets.

Honey contains complex sugars called oligosaccharides that resist digestion in the upper intestinal tract. They reach the colon intact, where they are fermented by helpful bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria to strengthen the gut barrier.

New Zealand origin matters because it guarantees the honey has passed the world’s strictest legal purity tests, under New Zealand government oversight, before it can be exported.

Mānuka honey originating from New Zealand is the only product in the world that’s governed by the Ministry of Primary Industries for its strict scientific definition, so every batch for export needs to pass a rigorous laboratory test, identifying four chemical markers and a DNA marker. 

The risk arises when honey is exported in bulk drums to be “re-packaged” in other countries. Once the honey leaves New Zealand shores in bulk, it’s no longer under the protection of national law. In many overseas countries, labelling laws are more relaxed and allows suppliers to blend the authentic Mānuka honey with cheaper clover honey, or corn syrups while retaining the “Mānuka” name on the jar. 

To ensure you’re getting genuine Mānuka honey, always look for the “Packed in New Zealand” statement and a valid UMF certification number. 

To be classified as a genuine Monofloral Mānuka honey product, the industry generally recognises a baseline of MGO 83+, which correlates to a UMF 5+ rating. 

Under New Zealand’s strict regulatory framework, ‘genuine’ Mānuka honey is categorised by its nectar purity rather than just potency. To be classified as monofloral Mānuka, the honey must meet specific MPI-set chemical markers that typically correlate with a baseline of MGO 83+ (UMF™ 5+).

Honey that falls below this threshold is classified as multifloral Mānuka. This remains a genuine, trusted Mānuka product, but it indicates that the bees have gathered nectar from a variety of floral sources alongside the Mānuka bush. While multifloral honey is authentic, it does not carry the same concentrated potency or "monofloral" status as higher-rated batches.

No. MGO measures antibacterial potency, not floral origin. While it is a legitimate strength indicator, it does not confirm that the honey was produced from Mānuka nectar.

To perform a reliable Mānuka honey authenticity check, buyers should also look for Leptosperin, a naturally occurring compound found only in Mānuka nectar and widely recognised as a strong indicator of origin.

Leptosperin is measured as part of the UMF certification process, which assesses multiple chemical markers together. For this reason, Midlands Apiaries recommends choosing MGO‑graded honey that is supported by UMF certification or batch‑specific laboratory testing.

Many consider monofloral Manuka honey with high MGO or UMF ratings the best due to its potency and rarity. Other favourites include Rātā, Rewarewa, and Honeydew. These premium varieties are widely used by top private label honey brands in the USA and international retailers.

New Zealand is famous for Manuka honey, known globally for its natural antibacterial activity. It’s considered one of the world’s most premium honeys. This makes New Zealand a leading source for private label Manuka honey and high-quality retail-ready honey products.

Real honey should list only “honey” as the ingredient, have natural aroma and flavour variations, and may crystallise over time. Certified lab testing is the most reliable method. Reputable private label honey manufacturers and wholesale suppliers test every batch for authenticity.

Yes, formulated for daily use, they are suitable for adults and children over one year old, where consumption is not a choking risk. Their trusted formulation also appeals to private label manufacturers and retail-ready honey brands.

These lozenges contain certified Manuka honey with verified MGO levels, offering genuine antibacterial effects compared to standard sugar lozenges. This makes them attractive for private label wellness products.

Manuka honey lozenges soothe sore throats, support immunity, and provide antibacterial benefits in a convenient format. They are ideal for wellness-focused retail ranges and private label honey brands.

Perfect on toast, in tea, or as a culinary ingredient, it suits both everyday use and gourmet applications. Its versatility is attractive for retail-ready honey products.

Mount Somers honey is a pure New Zealand honey with rich, robust floral notes. Its authenticity and flavour make it ideal for private label honey brands and wholesale honey suppliers.