Friday, March 29, 2024

A hive of activity for new honey centre

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A $10 million purpose-built honey processing and distribution centre has opened in Te Awamutu. Natural health company Manuka Health’s customised new facility is the largest honey factory in New Zealand and the investment represents a significant step in the development of NZ’s manuka honey industry. ‘We have taken a simple, raw product and through scientific methods we are able to preserve the bioactivity and potency of the natural ingredients.’
Beekeepers are reporting elevated colony losses attributable to the increased impact of varroa mites on hive populations.. File photo
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Manuka Health chief executive Kerry Paul said the plant would benefit the local community and add to the marketability of manuka honey internationally.

“I am very excited that we are making an economic and social contribution to the Te Awamutu region and, through this development, we will also be bringing NZ and the world’s attention to the value of manuka honey and the potential for trade and development. This new facility will enable us to continue our growth and increase exports into more countries.”

Paul said the heart of Manuka Health’s success was the decision to capitalise on the scientific discovery of methylglyoxal, commonly known as MGO, as being responsible for the stable anti-bacterial activity in manuka honey. 

He said Manuka Health enjoyed a 30% increase in sales compared to the previous year and further strengthened its distribution network. The new facility meant the company was able to triple production from 672 tonnes to 2200t to meet growing demand, while bringing far greater scale and efficiencies. 

The plant combined internationally accredited laboratories, honey-drum storage, blending, packing and distribution under one roof. 

“We have taken a simple, raw product and through scientific methods we are able to preserve the bioactivity and potency of the natural ingredients.

"This innovative work improves the honey and makes it into a world leading, high-value food and health product. We are committed to continuing R&D to provide the scientific evidence to support our product development,” Paul said.

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