About Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)

The UMF® grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka honey, and assures purity and quality.

Whilst the antibacterial properties of all types of honeys have been known for centuries, recent laboratory studies have shown that Manuka honey is exceptionally high in antibacterial potential, derived only from the Leptospermum species. In 1981 Dr Peter Molan (MBE), Associate Professor in Biochemistry at Waikato University, confirmed that some strains of the New Zealand Manuka bush honey contains an extraordinary, naturally present very stable and powerful non-peroxide antibacterial activity not found in any other variety of honey.

The presence of the special non-peroxide activity can be detected only by an array of scientific testing directly relating to the phenol standard. The UMF® rating has a one-to-­one relationship to the phenol standard e.g. UMF® 5 Manuka honey has the same non­-peroxide antibacterial activity as a 5% phenol solution.

This unique antibacterial activity is over and above the usual active properties of honey, and sets Manuka honey apart as one of nature's true wonderfoods. However, this special non-peroxide activity is not in all Manuka honey. 

UMF® or Unique Manuka Factor has been given a clear graduated system to explain this antibacterial activity. UMF® is the registered name and trademark held by Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association or UMFHA.

We are licensed to use the UMF® trademark. License number 2037

BEESecure with our stringent quality control systems.

Before BEE+ can label a Manuka label with 'Unique Manuka Factor' (UMF®), each batch is tested by certified independent laboratories using very stringent criteria laid down by the UMF® Honey Association.

In testing for the unique non-peroxide activity, the UMF® Honey Association utilises a range of internationally recognised biological and chemical methods, to approved certified laboratories both in New Zealand and internationally.  As part of this, every batch of honey must also be assessed in a series of additional protocols to ensure complete authenticity, quality and safety.  All UMF® license holders are independently audited, complying with stringent standards of terms of production, manufacturing, sampling and handling.  By surpassing these processes, we are able to label our Manuka honeys with the respected UMF® trademarked and symbol.

These stringent systems are similarly used across the entire BEE+ honey range.  Every honey batch produced undergoes its own rigorous testing, checking and auditing to comply as true-to-label and product safe, within our in-house BEESecure program.