How to tell if your your Manuka is honey real or fake?

It’s always surprised me how prevalent ‘fake’ products have become in the world today.

Most people have seen and probably even bought things like fake Nikes, Rolexes, Polo shirts, Luis Vuitton etc, especially traveling in regions like Asia.

But now we’re fully into a new and even more alarming phase, with the rapid rise of fake and / or illegally adulterated food products. Who would have thought!?

Food and dairy are among the most affected industries.

And it saddens me to say that the honey market is not immune to these evil fraudsters either, who have clearly latched on to the growing interest in its powerful therapeutic properties to dupe and potentially harm unwitting buyers.

Everything from making false claims on labels such as unverified MGO levels or adding unapproved sugar syrup and other adulterations poses not only a threat to the Manuka and broader honey markets, but most worryingly the large and growing number of people who rely on it to stay healthy and vital.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how bad the situation is:

● Australia: A 2018 study published by Business Insider indicated that 27% of honey products tested were either fake or contained added ingredients.

● Europe: An EU investigation revealed that 46% of honey samples tested were suspected of being adulterated with sugar syrups. 

● United Kingdom: A study found that 24 out of 25 honey samples from UK retailers failed authenticity tests.

The Importance of Certification and Traceability

This highlights more than ever the importance of proper certification. King Island Pure Manuka honey is fully certified by the Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA), a body which sets strict standards to ensure the authenticity of Manuka honey produced in Australia. And our MGO levels are tested and verified by the University of Sunshine Coast.

Furthermore, we fully own our own production process from end-to-end, ensuring that our honey is fully traceable all the way from the hive to plate.  

 

How King Island Pure Manuka guarantees the authenticity of its honey

King Island Pure Manuka stands out in the crowded, and increasingly ‘polluted’ honey market for several reasons:

● Geographical Isolation: Located between Tasmania and mainland Australia, King Island's remote location ensures minimal exposure to pollutants and diseases, such as the varroa mite.

● Strict Production Standards: The company adheres to stringent industry guidelines and prioritises quality over quantity to ensure every jar is lovingly hand packages, and contains only honey made by bees as nature intended.

● Transparency: Each jar of King Island Pure Manuka honey provides detailed information about its MGO (methylglyoxal) content, a key indicator of Manuka honey's potency.

By prioritizing purity and transparency, King Island Pure Manuka offers consumers a trustworthy choice in a market swamped with counterfeit products.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The prevalence of fake honey in international markets underscores the need for vigilance. Consumers should seek out products that offer transparency, have recognized certifications, and come from reputable producers.

For King Island Pure Manuka, this matters a great deal for us, our bees, honey and most importantly our value customers.

And it’s also really important for the Manuka honey industry as a whole.

For those seeking authentic Manuka honey, King Island Pure Manuka represents the gold standard in purity and trustworthiness. Check out our shop to see which Manuka honey is best for you.