The story of Manuka honey: from the New Zealand beehive to your table
Plongez dans L'histoire du miel de Manuka, depuis les traditions maories de Nouvelle-Zélande jusqu’à sa reconnaissance scientifique mondiale. Un miel rare, authentique et rigoureusement contrôlé, issu d’une filière durable et passionnée.
The story of Manuka honey is inextricably linked to that of New Zealand, the wild land where the Manuka shrub ( Leptospermum scoparium ) grows. Long before this honey reaches your table, a long journey begins in the far reaches of the Southern Hemisphere. Let's follow this path, from the New Zealand beehive to your jar of honey.
From Maori origins to scientific discovery
In Maori culture, Manuka has been a precious plant for centuries. The indigenous people of New Zealand already used Manuka leaves and bark to treat various ailments (fevers, injuries, etc.). The honey produced from its flowers—with its powerful flavor and evident benefits—was also valued through experience. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Manuka honey began to attract the attention of the rest of the world. In the 1980s, Professor Peter Molan of the University of Waikato systematically studied various local honeys and highlighted the unique antibacterial activity of Manuka honey. This scientific discovery, coupled with impressive laboratory results, propelled Manuka honey onto the international stage.
Global demand for this "miracle honey" quickly exploded. The small, local honey from New Zealand was mentioned in scientific journals and then in the media. New Zealand beekeepers, often from families established for generations, began to specialize in Manuka production to meet foreign interest. Certification systems (like UMF) emerged to protect the authenticity and quality of this now highly sought-after honey. Thus, the story of Manuka honey is one of an alliance between Maori tradition and scientific validation, which has allowed it to conquer the world.
Handcrafted production in a natural setting
Your jar of Manuka honey's journey begins in the remote, untouched regions of New Zealand , where Manuka forests thrive far from pollution. The Manuka plant flowers for only a few weeks each year (usually between December and February in the Southern Hemisphere). During this short period, bees work tirelessly to gather nectar from the small, pinkish-white Manuka flowers and bring it back to the hive. Local beekeepers, often in partnership with Māori landowning communities, sometimes move their hives by helicopter to reach otherwise inaccessible mountain areas where wild Manuka abounds.
Manuka honey is harvested using traditional and respectful methods. Once the honey supers (hive frames filled with honey) are collected, the honey is cold-extracted to preserve all its properties. There is no excessive pasteurization, no additives: it is a raw product from the hive, simply filtered to remove major impurities (wax, debris) while retaining its pollen and natural enzymes. Each batch of honey is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure its MGO content and verify its authenticity (notably through the presence of natural markers such as leptosperin). This strict quality control guarantees that only genuine monofloral Manuka honey, meeting the required standards, is exported.
From the ends of the earth to your jar: our quality commitment
At our company , we are committed to bringing this exceptional honey from the lands of New Zealand to your table, preserving its purity and beneficial properties at every stage. We have selected partner beekeepers in New Zealand who share our values: respect for bees and nature, traditional expertise, and transparency. The honey we offer comes from harvests in wild areas where the Manuka plant grows naturally. These unique terroirs give each honey subtle nuances of flavor (depending on the soil, the seasonal climate, etc.) while guaranteeing a high concentration of active ingredients.
After harvesting, the honey is packaged on-site in New Zealand and then shipped to us. Every jar bearing our branding is fully traceable : we can trace it back to the original apiary and obtain the batch analysis certificate. This rigorous process ensures that the Manuka honey you enjoy at home lives up to its reputation. Ultimately, our story with Manuka honey is one of passion for a pure and precious product of nature, which we are proud to share with you in the best possible conditions.
By opening a jar of Manuka honey selected by our brand , you are tasting much more than just a sweet ingredient: you are tasting a piece of New Zealand, a centuries-old tradition and the commitment of passionate people who are keen to share this jewel with you, authentic and untouched, as if it had just been harvested from the hive.
