infonews.co.nz
INDEX
FOOD

New Era for Manuka Honey Industry Body

Wednesday 6 July 2011, 7:25AM

By Active Manuka Honey Association

520 views

The new quality trademark is a unique design. It denotes the level of Non-Peroxide Activity and features the registered UMF® quality trademark
The new quality trademark is a unique design. It denotes the level of Non-Peroxide Activity and features the registered UMF® quality trademark Credit: Active Manuka Honey Association
Active Manuka Honey Association
Active Manuka Honey Association Credit: Active Manuka Honey Association

The Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) is changing its name to The UMF Honey Association.

The Association’s Chairperson Neil Stuckey said the new name was launched today to underpin the integrity of the iconic New Zealand product in international markets.

“This change is being made to reinforce the UMF® (UNIQUE MANUKA FACTOR®) quality trademark,” Mr Stuckey said.

“Along with the new name, a new design for the quality trademark is also being introduced. This initiative has been brought about by concern that consumers were potentially being misled in the marketplace by use of the word ‘active’. All honeys have a level of activity but it is only some Manuka honey which has unique antibacterial properties.”

He said the Association is keen to ensure the UMF® quality trademark represents this unique activity along with an array of quality standards that support the natural activity found in some Manuka honey.

“A major promotional drive is being undertaken in all territories in which UMF® Manuka honey is sold. This includes the release of the names of overseas laboratories that are involved in the recently introduced international verification programme.”