What Does UMF Mean?
15 December 2025
The world of Mānuka honey is rich in unique properties and, sometimes, confusing terminology.
One of the terms used on the label is UMF, which stands for Unique Mānuka Factor. It’s a method of honey grading that is considered by many to deliver superior standards of Mānuka honey, using a full-spectrum analysis to guarantee the honey’s genuine New Zealand origin, potency, proper processing and maturity.
UMF measures the concentration of four essential compounds, which are defined by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries. It’s the most reliable way to navigate quality claims and protect against counterfeit products. The higher the UMF grade, the greater the potency.
Midlands Apiaries is a dedicated educator and exporter of UMF Mānuka honey, ensuring full traceability and world-class compliance (99% SQF Level 3) with every jar it delivers to customers around the globe. This article will explore the use of UMF, why Midlands uses it and how it can be used to purchase Mānuka honey with confidence.
What is UMF?
UMF is the established & globally-recognised standard that’s used to certify the quality and authenticity of genuine, monofloral Mānuka honey, which is sourced exclusively from New Zealand.
It’s a scientifically verified way of guaranteeing the honey’s integrity and potency. Unlike other grading systems, the Mānuka UMF grading system is independently managed by the UMF Honey Association, which ensures that all licensed honey producers follow strict demands and standards.
The core philosophy of UMF is that it measures the overall quality and authenticity of Mānuka honey, which ensures a full-spectrum analysis, not just the levels of a single compound. To truly understand the quality of this premium product, it’s essential to know what is UMF.
In order to measure UMF, a particular number is assigned to the product - for example, 10+ or 20+. This is done to measure the four signature compounds that are naturally found within monofloral Mānuka honey - which the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) uses to define the product.
UMF will be used to test all of the following compounds within a batch of Mānuka honey:
Leptosperin - A unique, naturally-occurring chemical that’s only found in the nectar of the Mānuka plant. Its presence is the primary scientific proof of the honey’s genuine New Zealand origin and floral source.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) - The primary compound that’s responsible for Mānuka honey’s non-peroxide, anti-bacterial strength. MGO concentration is critical and correlates directly to the honey’s potential health benefits.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - This compound is present in the Mānuka flower’s nectar and converts into MGO over time, as the honey begins to mature. It contributes to the honey’s long-term stability and potential potency.
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) - This indicator confirms the honey has been handled and processed properly, without any excessive heat exposure, which ensures freshness and the preservation of its natural properties.
The final UMF rating is a measure of the concentration of these markers, all collectively contributing to the honey’s quality and antibacterial strength.
UMF vs MGO Grading
One of the greatest pain points for retail buyers and consumers is the confusion over the range of Mānuka honey grading systems. The key difference lies within the breadth and depth of what is being measured; a single marker versus a full-spectrum analysis.
This distinction is central to the debate of UMF vs MGO.
While MGO is a key component of the UMF grading system, it’s only one of four essential markers that UMF tests for. A pure MGO grade will only confirm the antibacterial potential of the honey, whereas the UMF certification will go further.
UMF guarantees the genuine New Zealand origin (Leptosperin), it ensures the correct processing (HMF) and also verifies the maturity of the honey (DHA) - all while also accounting for the MGO levels within the honey. Understanding what is UMF helps to clarify the superior analysis that’s delivered by using this standard.
Midlands Apiaries tends to side with the Mānuka UMF rating when it comes to testing its products, as the rating ensures a product that’s delivered with a comprehensive summary of what’s inside each jar of liquid gold. In fact, Midlands takes it one step further - we test by UMF standards regardless of the product, due to our trust in the reliable nature of the grading system.
Why UMF Certification Matters
The integrity of the Mānuka honey market relies heavily on trustworthy and reliable standards being met. For B2B buyers and consumers alike, the UMF certification is the most reliable way to navigate the various global quality claims, as well as ensuring protection from counterfeit products. This is the biggest reason why understanding Mānuka UMF is essential.
Midlands Apiaries plays its part to protect the integrity of the UMF certification, by combining it with our own unparalleled quality assurance systems. Here’s a summary of the work we do to ensure that the UMF rating remains a reliable indicator of the honey’s properties.
Integrated Traceability
Midlands maintains an integrated supply chain, which means that every step of Mānuka honey production is managed with heavily stringent traceability.
From partnering with beekeepers who operate in remote forests throughout New Zealand, right through to the teams that ship the honey back to our facilities, the labs that test the batches, the packaging and the exports teams - every step allows us to guarantee a premium jar of Mānuka honey at the end of the process.
This level of control ensures the Mānuka honey’s integrity is preserved throughout its journey from the beehives to the honey jars that stock shelves and sit in cupboards at home.
In-House Laboratory
We’ve invested in our own state-of-the-art laboratory that is staffed by experienced professionals. We believe that ‘quality in’ equals ‘quality out’, so every single jar of monofloral Mānuka honey must first pass a rigorous screening process to ensure authenticity, shelf-life and freshness.
This reinforces our commitment to Mānuka honey grading.
Our labs team conducts a wide range of tests to ensure that every batch of Mānuka honey meets every quality standard. Furthermore, this internal testing process is backed up by routine, independent verification by IANZ-certified labs.
Quality Assurance Protocols
Technical Manager, Beth Michell oversees the QA team, who rigorously test every batch of Mānuka honey to ensure consistency and excellence.
This team of five people performs continuous internal audits and systematic daily checks, anticipating and mitigating any risks in the production process that might compromise the UMF rating of the jar of Mānuka honey.
The team will also perform root-cause investigations when necessary, to ensure a culture of continual improvement. This reflects the Midlands commitment to delivering a product that its staff would happily recommend to their own families and friends.
World-Class Compliance
The Midlands Apiaries dedication to quality is reflected in our exceptional compliance record. We’ve achieved an exceptional 99% compliance in our most recent SQF (Safe Quality Food) Level 3 audit.
Achieving Level 3 places Midlands within the top percentile of food safety compliance, which confirms our robust food safety controls, rigorous hazard analysis (HACCP) and effective corrective actions.
What the Different UMF Grades Mean
The UMF number is a clear indicator of the concentration and potency of the unique compounds within a jar of Mānuka honey. The higher the grade, the greater the bioactive strength. A key part of understanding UMF vs MGO is recognising the comprehensive nature of UMF grades.
Midlands Apiaries offers a wide range of UMF grades, right up to UMF 32+ Mānuka Honey for private label consumers, but our commercial focus targets the most popular and versatile strengths.
UMF 5+ is perfect for everyday wellness; it’s an ideal starting point for consumers and brands who are looking for premium, genuine Mānuka honey for daily consumption and wellness.
UMF 10+ is for premium wellness; this grade is considered the commercial sweet spot that offers a higher concentration of Mānuka honey, ideal for food, cosmetic formulations and general supplement use.
UMF 25+ and higher are high-potency forms of Mānuka honey; they’re high-strength grades which are reserved for specialised therapeutic applications, advanced skincare products or targeted dietary supplements - due to their stronger MGO levels.
How To Check If Your Mānuka Honey Is Genuine
To ensure that you’re receiving certified Mānuka UMF honey and avoiding products that might have been adulterated with cheaper syrups, always follow this essential checklist.
Verify the New Zealand Origin & Packing
Authentic Mānuka honey should be collected from the nectar of the native Mānuka flowers. Look for the phrase “Product of New Zealand” on the label, as the country has extremely strict regulations on importing honey.
For added security, check the honey is also marked “packed in New Zealand” to ensure it was sealed before leaving the country.
Demand Government Compliance
Every batch of Mānuka honey exported from New Zealand must meet the rigorous standards set by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). This requires independent lab testing to prove the presence of the four UMF markers, which we discussed earlier when defining what is UMF.
Look for the UMF Quality Mark
The official UMF certification logo, along with the unique UMF license number, must be clearly visible on the front label, confirming that the product is from a UMF Honey Association-licensed company.
Then, use the license number and batch number (which is also found on the jar) to verify the UMF grade and origin. You can use this number to verify the Mānuka honey grading directly through the UMFHA’s official website.
However, it’s worth noting that, due to the financial requirements of applying for UMF certification, many private label brands won’t necessarily have the means to incorporate the logo onto the label - even though they’ve gone to the lengths of ensuring UMF standards are met.
So, while the UMF quality mark is a strong green flag, its absence from the label is not necessarily a deal-breaker.
Assess Price and Appearance
Genuine Mānuka honey is a rare and highly-prized product, reflecting a premium price tag. Suspicious honey, which is cheaper than it should be, is a significant red flag when browsing products on shelves on online.
Authentic Mānuka honey should also exhibit a thick, creamy texture and a rich, golden texture. If the jar doesn’t contain this, it’s a safe bet that you’re holding a counterfeit honey.
Midlands Apiaries is positioned as both an educator and an exporter of UMF Mānuka honey, which makes the process of buying the product much safer and easier through their retail brands - PURITI, Primal by Nature and Mount Somers.
These retail brands undergo all of the in-house compliance checks, stringent testing and careful sourcing that we’ve discussed in this article, they also meet all the checklist requirements we’ve listed above.
Purchase Certified UMF Mānuka Honey with Midlands Apiaries
When you partner with Midlands Apiaries, you’re choosing a business that’s dedicated to quality and full traceability. We apply the UMF rating to every jar of Mānuka honey, in order to guarantee the purity of every jar of honey that we produce; knowing the difference in UMF vs MGO helps our partners choose the best product.
Midlands is committed to helping our partners succeed in the global market. By providing certified Mānuka UMF honey and graded multifloral options, backed by comprehensive compliance processes, we ensure your brand can launch a premium, reliable product with confidence.
Explore our certified Mānuka honey range, including our sought-after UMF 5+ and 10+ grades. Explore our certified Mānuka range today.
Otherwise, partner with Midlands Apiaries for bulk or private label supply, in order to leverage our world-class facilities, compliance expertise and integrated supply chain for your brand’s success. Partner with Midlands today.
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The NZ Mark of Competence, IANZ Labs
How We Deliver Quality Honey, Midlands Apiaries
The Secret Behind Midlands’ Impeccable Honey Compliance, Midlands Apiaries
Leading International Supplier of Private Label Honey, Midlands Apiaries
Certifying Quality You Can Trust, UMFHA New Zealand
Premium Mānuka Honey, PURITI
Premium Mānuka Honey, Primal by Nature
Premium Mānuka Honey, Mount Somers
Manuka Multiflora, Midlands Apiaries
State of the Art Packing Facility, Midlands Apiaries
Manuka Honey Manufacturers, Midlands Apiaries
Mānuka Honey Testing, Ministry of Primary Industries NZ