Why use UMF instead of MGO rating

The UMFHA has been at the forefront of almost three decades of world-leading research to understand the benefits and quality management of mānuka honey. We’ve identified 2,300+ natural compounds in New Zealand mānuka honey that contribute to its unique taste, texture and support of health & wellness – and make it the best honey in the world. To produce mānuka honey that can be certified as the world’s finest quality, New Zealand’s honey producers have to adhere to a unique quality system. We are the keepers of that system. The system builds on the New Zealand government, Ministry of Primary Industries tests that validate all honey sold as mānuka is genuine.  

Four Factor Quality Testing

UMF™ means more than simply MGO. Our goal is to ensure that you’re able to easily choose the right mānuka product for your needs, which is why our standard is the only one that tests for the four key elements of mānuka honey: Potency, Authenticity, Shelf Life and Freshness.

100% Pure and Traceable

New Zealand has zero honey imports, which means UMF™ certified honey contains no adulterants. In fact, all retail products with our quality mark are traceable to independent UMFHA licensed suppliers and producers.   This unparalleled assurance system applies strict product standards and testing protocols to confirm the traceability, purity and product quality of authentic 100% New Zealand mānuka honey, so that you know what you’re buying is genuinely produced, packed and sealed in New Zealand.

A Global Network

The UMF™ Quality Assurance System is recognised around the world by regulators and standards authorities. We use a global laboratory network for in-market audits that verify certified honeys retain their quality over time, and all our licensed producers support and commit to this to assure the UMF™ mark. Our network tests product in global market and validates UMF™ mānuka honey quality after leaving New Zealand.  

Global Research Partner Network

We continue to expand knowledge of this unique honey only found in New Zealand with research into the health and wellness properties in our exceptional mānuka honey. The UMF™ Four Factor Quality Testing Our comprehensive quality test certifies four key mānuka natural components that ensure it will reach you in the best possible condition to meet your needs. It adds a quality dimension the NZ Government’s important mānuka ID test which identifies whether products are mānuka honey or not.    

The Rating System

Real New Zealand mānuka honey contains over 2,300 unique components that contribute to its complex flavour and its remarkable benefits. The UMF™ Four Factor Quality Assurance Test independently certifies the quality factors that matter and summarises them in a single figure. It validates Potency, Authenticity, Freshness, and Purity of honest mānuka honey and verifies the genuine UMF™ rating of each batch. No other honey undergoes such rigorous testing by a bee-keeper’s country mile. We build on the New Zealand government’s mānuka honey identification tests by ensuring certainty around purity, potency, authenticity and freshness – making the UMF™ rating the only option for anyone seeking independent assurance that their purchase will support their health and wellness.