Waikato Based SummerGlow Apiaries Backs UMF Association in Trademark Push

By Tristan Hooker/MediaPA

SummerGlow Apiaries of Te Kowhai, Hamilton, is backing a move by the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) Honey Association to trademark the words ‘Manuka Honey’.

If the trademark application is successful, the phrase ‘Manuka Honey’ will only be allowed to be used on genuine, certified Manuka Honey produced in New Zealand.

John Rawcliffe of the UMF Honey Association says the move has had overwhelming support from New Zealand Manuka Honey producers and consumers, despite resistance from some Australian producers who are arguing that teatree honey produced in Australia should be labelled as Manuka Honey.

However, the UMF Honey Association is holding their ground.

“The move to trademark the name is aimed at ensuring the term is only used on genuine Manuka Honey produced in New Zealand,” says Mr Rawcliffe.  “It was inevitable that there would be a backlash from competitors seeking to ride a wave of success, as demand for New Zealand Manuka Honey continues to soar internationally.”

Manuka Honey has become known around the world for its unique health giving properties and is able to command a much higher price than other floral types of honey.

Mr Rawcliffe says despite the Manuka teatree bush (Leptospermum Scoparium) being also found in Australia, consumers have come to know the Maori word ‘Manuka’ as uniquely Kiwi.

“People have come to appreciate Manuka Honey as being a distinctive honey from New Zealand that has unique attributes and benefits,” he says.

SummerGlow Apiaries has been in the Manuka Honey business for 40 years and was the first Manuka Honey producer to label their product with the UMF certification when UMF Manuka Honey was identified in 1995.

Contact SummerGlow Apiaries Ltd:

 Phone: 07 829 7641

Address: 131 Richards Road, Te Kowhai, RD8, Hamilton

Email: margaret@summerglow.co.nz

 Website: www.manukahoney.co.nz

 Facebook: www.facebook.com/SummerGlowApiaries

 Twitter: twitter.com/SummerGlowNZ

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCibeyVoOTiNy4Az4aqxtQgw

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jamesjeffery31/summerglow-apiaries/

Contact MediaPA:

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