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4. Why developing credibility in manuka honey was critical for global acceptance of the product?

  • Writer: Kerry Paul
    Kerry Paul
  • Nov 11
  • 1 min read

Updated: Nov 21

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Until June 2007, the New Zealand manuka honey industry relied on a holistic approach to marketing the product through the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). However, the weakness of this approach was that nobody knew what the factors were. This inability to explain why the honey was superior meant that neither consumers nor the medical and scientific communities were prepared to support it.


I set out to establish scientifically what was in manuka honey that was driving its stable antibacterial activity. Working in partnership with Professor Thomas Henle from the Technical University of Dresden, a world leader in understanding compounds in foods modified by processing and storage, we discovered methylglyoxal in manuka honey. This discovery was the Holy Grail moment for the product explaining why manuka honey is different from other honeys.


Professor Thomas Henle, Technical University of Dresden, Germany
Professor Thomas Henle, Technical University of Dresden, Germany

In 2007, I developed the MGO Manuka Honey System and then launched manuka honey products worldwide using this marketing approach. For instance, when you see products labelled MGO 400, it means there are 400mg of methylglyoxal per kg in the honey.



What is unique about manuka honey?


Comments

Kerry Paul Business man and blogger
Kerry Paul – Stepping Out of Your Bubble Author
​

Hi, I'm Kerry. I enjoy challenging people by asking questions and presenting different views to encourage critical thinking. My 45-year career has always had a global focus, building successful relationships in over 50 countries. I am empathetic to diverse views, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, or socio-economic status. Join me on a captivating journey as we explore how India shaped the world over two thousand years ago, potentially leading to the first settlement of New Zealand. This blog series aims to expand readers' awareness and knowledge of how people may have come to New Zealand in pre-Polynesian times. Given the time constraints many readers face, I am providing a platform for them to consider these intriguing possibilities in easy-to-read blog posts.

 

Who were the first people to settle in New Zealand? How did India possibly contribute to any development, given its major role over 2000 years ago in some of New Zealand’s closest neighbours? These questions will guide our exploration and open up a rich dialogue about the historical connections and cultural exchanges that may have shaped New Zealand's early settlements.

 

I'd be more than happy to discuss with readers of my blog about India, its history as well as New Zealand and the suggested origins of its first settlers. 

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