Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?

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Concern over the high cost of Manuka honey has consumers wondering why some brands are more expensive than others.

The global demand for Manuka honey far exceeds the supply. Any time this occurs, the price of that commodity increases. Another possible occurrence is the creation of a black market. The honey association in New Zealand acknowledges that there is more Manuka honey sold than is harvested. This can only mean that there are unscrupulous suppliers that are selling unauthentic Manuka honey.

What does that mean for consumers? Be aware that cheap Manuka honey could be blended together with less expensive honey. Another common practice of less honest brands is the misrepresentation of the potency level on the label. The potency level of Manuka honey is very important, especially if the end user is interested in the medicinal benefits. Only active Manuka honey contains the healing properties that people have come to expect. Inactive Manuka honey does not have the healing power that has made Manuka honey world renowned.

Manuka honey with a potency level of 10+ or higher is considered to be bioactive ...
... and suitable for medical use. That means if the potency is 0 through 9, the honey will have virtually no effect in treating the various conditions that Manuka honey is known for. Some Manuka honey brands are able to keep their price low by labeling inactive Manuka honey as a high active. More reputable brands perform laboratory tests to measure the levels of antibacterial and phytochemical compounds in the Manuka honey.

In other words, if you see an active 15+ Manuka honey selling for $20 or less, it most likely is not the real thing or has been adulterated in some way. Beekeepers in New Zealand feel that since Manuka honey has more healing properties than other types of honey, it commands a higher price. In addition, high active Manuka honey is in short supply. Inactive Manuka honey is much more abundant and therefore less valuable because it does not possess the same healing potential as active Manuka honey.

“When it comes to a person’s health, quality is more important than cost,” says Frank Buonanotte, CEO of Honeymark International. “We have not compromised the quality of our honey in order to compete with the less reputable brands. At the end of the day, we believe that people are capable of recognizing quality.” Manuka honey may be considered to be expensive in comparison to other types of honey, but it is extremely cost effective in comparison to medicine and most pharmaceutical products. Since Manuka honey usually works better than pharmaceuticals, without the negative side effects, the informed consumer is recognizing the value in Manuka honey’s natural healing properties.

For more information, call 1-866-427-7329 or visit www.HoneymarkProducts.com.