New Zealand Mānuka Honey Day: Celebrating New Zealand’s unique gift to the world

New Zealand Manuka Honey Day on November 4, 2024, celebrates a truly extraordinary gift from nature and the efforts of New Zealand’s beekeepers and communities. Each year, this first Monday of November signals the start of the Manuka Honey harvest, aligning with the six-week flowering period of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Beginning in the subtropical north and gradually moving south as cooler climates join the season, this bloom creates a rich, aromatic honey known globally for its potent health benefits.

For nearly a millennium, New Zealand's Māori people have harnessed the healing qualities of the Manuka tree, and today, scientific research continues to underscore the honey’s unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive properties. Manuka Honey’s bioactive components make it one of the world’s most powerful natural health foods.

Beyond its health benefits, Manuka Honey plays an essential role in New Zealand's environment and economy. Local farms work to restore native Manuka forests, which protect erosion-prone land and foster biodiversity. These initiatives support rural communities, create jobs, and preserve New Zealand's unique landscape, ensuring that Manuka honey remains a symbol of health, sustainability, and tradition.

Managing Director of Manuka Honey of NZ, Jude Salisbury, says "We are extremely proud and honoured to be the custodians of so many lovingly created Manuka Honey products from all corners of New Zealand. We look forward to celebrating NZ Manuka Honey Day on the 4th of November and sharing this wonderful gift from nature with the world."