Media Release: 09 October, 2009

NEW MANUKA HONEY RESEARCH ADDS CLARITY FOR CONSUMERS

Comvita today released scientific findings from a research project of considerable importance for consumers and New Zealand’s $100 million Manuka Honey industry.

Comvita’s research, conducted in association with the University of Auckland and Hill Laboratories and published this week by Food Chemistry (Elsevier Ltd), is the culmination of a year-long, intense scientific trial investigation of the bioactivity of Manuka Honey.

The research revealed:
•    A clear methodology for differentiating honey types and of guaranteeing the proof of origin and purity of Manuka honey.

•    Nectar testing which indisputably connects the plant to the honey.

•    That there are multiple compounds that together, contribute to the unique therapeutic properties of UMF Manuka honey.

•    That the research results make it possible to detect any manipulation of the honey by heating or adulteration because the compounds act as a bio-chemical fingerprint.

Comvita Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Ralf Schlothauer, says using Nectar Testing to trace the bioactive compounds from the nectar to the Manuka Honey on the shelf is a considerable step forward in ensuring the consumer is buying what they believe.

“This is important because bioactive compounds are ultimately from the nectar collected by the bees.”

The real story behind UMF Manuka honey is incredibly complex and rich, Dr. Schlothauer says. He likens it to an unravelling mystery, as this, the first in a series of research papers, confirms.

Dr. Schlothauer says the Comvita Science team has a number of ongoing scientific trials and research projects underway, focussed on Manuka honey, with a network of New Zealand and international partners.

Comvita recently partnered with the University of Auckland in the Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology (IIB) as a ‘co-locator’. Having Comvita scientist, Dr. Jonathan Stephens based at the Institute, enables world-class research through collaboration between the University and industry  with the aim of building the New Zealand economy through biotechnology.

Manuka honey has amazing potential for human health, say Dr. Schlothauer.

“Comvita is resolutely committed to working openly and collaboratively with all industry stakeholders to establish a set of common standards based on solid science. Ongoing research will play a vital role in helping the industry provide consumers with the confidence that they are getting the very best product possible.”  

Link to research paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.09.074

<ENDS> 

 Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology: www.biotech.co.nz

 Hill Laboratories: www.hill-laboratories.com

Media Release                    
06 August, 2009

Comvita Moves to Assure New Zealand’s Honey-Loving Public

In response to recent reports of some Manuka honey manufacturers selling product that is not true-to-label, one of New Zealand’s largest and most trusted honey manufacturers wishes to put consumers’ minds at ease that what their label says about the Manuka honey is, in fact, what is in the jar.
Comvita Limited, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of Manuka honey, advises New Zealanders that UMF® Manuka honey which doesn’t match its label, such as that reported in the past few days, is very uncommon.  However, if Kiwis are in doubt, it is best to choose a product from a reputable source.  
Comvita CEO, Brett Hewlett, says the company has been in operation for over 30 years, including exporting for over 18 years, and is justifiably proud of its heritage and reputation as a trusted source of quality products.  
Customers can have confidence that Comvita’s honey is what it says it is, says Hewlett.  
“We have invested extensively in our Quality Assurance systems to ensure we have the highest quality product and it’s comforting for our consumers to know we treat issues like this very seriously.”
Comvita continues to delve more deeply into understanding the science behind the health and healing properties of Manuka honey, ensuring we remain a leader in scientific research, says Hewlett.

- Ends-
Notes: UMF® Information
To protect consumers and the industry, New Zealand Manuka honey is measured by the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®) trademark.  This existing standard and the test for UMF are both independently verified and monitored by New Zealand’s respected governing industry body, the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA),
•    UMF® is more than just a test, it is a trademark denoting product quality and activity.
•    UMF® includes not only the level of activity, but also assures consumers regrading manufacturing, testing, storage, packaging in accordance with strict quality requirements.  
•    As a comprehensive quality mark, UMF® not only addresses manufacturing processes, but also involves market audits to ensure that product bearing the UMF® trademark is true-to-label.
•    Where products are found to not meet that standard, AMHA takes immediate action, requiring companies to rectify problems or face loss of licence.
•    The UMF® trademark quality standard also provides protection against the practice of heating of honey to artificially raise methylglyoxal levels.  It is widely known that the methylglyoxal level in honey increases through heating, and this practice is shown to denature (destroy) the other actives in honey.
•    Proof of origin and traceability are major issues for New Zealand trade partners in global markets.

END