Mānuka 5 Attributes Testing

Honey being labelled and exported as manuka honey from New Zealand, by law, must be analysed for four chemical markers and one DNA marker. This test is for MPI's General Requirement for Export (GREX) for honey.

What are the Mānuka 5 Attributes? 

The definition includes five attributes; 4 chemical markers and 1 DNA marker:

Chemical Markers: Four specific chemical compounds found in mānuka honey nectar are analysed to identify the presence and concentration of mānuka-specific chemicals.

DNA Marker: A DNA marker from mānuka pollen is used to verify the presence of mānuka in the honey.

When present at specified levels, this confirms the honey as New Zealand mānuka honey. Based on the concentration of one of the chemical markers, the honey can be classified as either monofloral or multifloral mānuka honey. 

The science definition helps New Zealand maintain its premium status in global markets by providing confidence to international regulators about the authenticity of New Zealand mānuka honey.and assurance to consumers in export markets that they are purchasing genuine mānuka honey. Learn more about how MPI have developed this mānuka Classification through their research paper here. 

What is the Turnaround Time for Mānuka 5 Attributes Testing? 

Results for routine testing are available the next working day and the same working day for urgent testing from receipt of the sample. 

Speak to the team to learn more 

Latest Stories

Effluent Testing: A Smart Investment for Sustainable Farming – The Hunt Farm Story

In the pastures of Hunt Farm, a quiet revolution is taking place. One that blends environmental stewardship with economic savvy.
  14 Jul 2025

Staff Profile: Ester Woollaston - Championing Food Safety and Team Success

With nearly 10 years of experience, Section Manager for Water Microbiology, Ester Woollaston is passionate about public health and leads a busy lab. Learn more about Ester and her time at Hill Labs.
  30 Jun 2025

Expanding Our Dairy and Apiculture Services Through FSQSNZ Acquisition

Following our recent acquisitions of Food and Health Standards (FHS) and Auditing Solutions (AS), we’re excited to announce the next step in our growth journey: the acquisition of Food Safety Quality Solutions NZ (FSQSNZ Limited). This move, part of our joint venture with Sam Brooks, brings a trusted MPI-recognised agency into our fold, with over five years of combined experience in food safety and compliance. 
  24 Jun 2025

What our customers have to say

"We've always found them to be responsive in getting results back and giving advice on problems we might be facing."

Andrew Hutchinson, Technical Manager, Turners & Growers

"We strongly recommend Hill Labs as a sound testing service provider to the honey industry."

Nick Walker, Technical Manager, Egmont Honey

"Their sample registration system has made things simple and seamless - collect, scan and send!"

Mathew Bannister, Compliance Manager, First Fresh New Zealand

Accreditations

As a New Zealand accredited laboratory by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), Hill Labs' commitment to quality is tantamount to our overall operating philosophy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work.