Everything you need to know about Mānuka honey, our products,
and how to become a Nuka partner.
The Basics
About Mānuka Honey
Mānuka honey is a unique variety produced by bees pollinating the Mānuka bush
(Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand. It is distinct
from regular honey due to its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that
contributes to Mānuka honey's unique bioactive properties, including its well-researched
antibacterial activity.
Mānuka honey is widely researched for its unique bioactive properties, primarily driven
by its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). While regular honey
is known for its general antimicrobial effects (often due to hydrogen peroxide), Mānuka
honey's non-peroxide activity makes it significantly more potent and stable.
Research highlights include:
Supports natural antibacterial and antiviral activity
Helps maintain digestive balance and gut health
Supports the immune system
Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonoids)
Used as a natural soothing agent
Research consistently shows that Mānuka honey outperforms many other varieties in
antioxidant power. It contains significantly higher levels of polyphenols and flavonoids.
In comparative studies, Mānuka honey (specifically MGO 250+ and MGO 400+) demonstrated
superior antioxidant and antimicrobial strength compared to standard table honey varieties.
Its non-peroxide antibacterial activity also remains stable when exposed to heat, light,
and dilution — unlike standard honey.
Yes. Extensive academic reviews confirm that Mānuka honey is biologically active.
It offers verified antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, with
numerous peer-reviewed studies supporting its use in wound care, oral health, and
digestive wellness. MGO is quantifiable by laboratory testing, making Mānuka honey one
of the few natural products with a reliable, measurable quality indicator.
Understanding MGO
MGO — What It Is & Why It Matters
MGO (methylglyoxal) is the key compound that gives Mānuka honey its unique potency.
Unlike regular honey, Mānuka contains high levels of MGO, which is directly responsible
for its strong non-peroxide antibacterial properties.
MGO is measured in mg/kg, and the MGO number indicates how much is present in a given
honey. Higher MGO generally means a more concentrated bioactive profile and a higher
strength tier. Because MGO can be quantified by lab testing, it provides a clear,
comparable way to choose and range Mānuka — and to verify batches.
The MGO grade indicates the minimum amount of methylglyoxal in the honey (measured in mg/kg).
Nuka offers five grades:
MGO 263+ — Entry grade. Good for everyday wellness and introductory retail ranging.
MGO 514+ — Mid grade. Popular with health-conscious consumers.
MGO 829+ — High grade. Strong bioactive profile for premium retail.
MGO 1200+ — Ultra premium. For specialist health and wellness channels.
MGO 1700+ — Elite grade. The pinnacle of verified NZ Mānuka.
Leptosperin is a naturally occurring compound found only in genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey.
It is one of the key markers tested by laboratories to confirm that honey is truly monofloral
Mānuka — not blended or adulterated. All Nuka honey is tested for Leptosperin as part of our
batch verification process, giving you and your customers complete confidence in the product's
authenticity.
Partnerships
Wholesale & Partnership
Nuka Honey is more than just honey — it's a premium, verifiable product that gives your
business a competitive edge. Here's what sets us apart:
Certified Potency: Rigorously tested for MGO levels, guaranteeing the bioactive strength your customers expect.
100% Raw & Unpasteurised: We bottle gently to preserve natural enzymes and nutrients.
Traceable Origin: From the remote Mānuka bush to your home — complete transparency in our supply chain.
Turnkey Product: Ready-to-sell jars, beautifully packaged, no extra handling required.
NZ Owned: Proudly New Zealand owned, operated, and sourced.
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the grade and market. We work with partners
of all sizes — from boutique independent retailers to large-scale importers and distributors.
Contact us via the Partner With Nuka page
and we'll provide specific MOQ information tailored to your requirements.
Yes. We provide full batch traceability documentation including:
Independent lab test results (MGO, Leptosperin, DHA, and other markers)
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each batch
Country of origin documentation
MPI (New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries) compliance documentation
Additional regulatory documentation on request for specific markets
All documentation is available on request and provided with each order for qualifying partners.
Nuka Honey is shipped internationally from New Zealand to partners worldwide. Our export process includes:
Full MPI-compliant export documentation
Temperature-controlled freight options where required
Food safety and customs documentation for each destination market
Coordination with freight forwarders and importers
We have experience exporting to markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Australia.
Contact us to discuss your specific market requirements and we'll guide you through the process.
Yes — we encourage prospective partners to sample our range before committing to an order.
We offer a sample pack programme for qualified wholesale and retail enquiries. To request
samples, submit an enquiry via our Partner With Nuka page
and mention which grades you'd like to sample.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements. We consider private label and custom
packaging arrangements on a case-by-case basis for partners with sufficient volume.
Reach out via our Partner page with
details about your business and what you have in mind.
Still Have Questions?
Get in touch with our team. We're happy to answer any questions about
our products, grades, or the partnership process.