Why is New Zealand Honey So Expensive?
New Zealand honey, known for its superior quality, is one of the most expensive honeys available and is served in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world. Many consumers are perplexed by the high price point and wonder why New Zealand honey is so expensive.
One explanation of New Zealand honey’s cost is that it is sourced from pure, unpolluted locations such as remote and untouched areas that harbor unknown honey species. Lisa, a molecular biologist specializing in honey, says, “Because it is sourced from such a pristine environment, the properties of its flavor, aroma, and taste are unlike what you would find from your standard honey. It creates a flavor that some say is a mix between caramel, citrus, and herbs.” Therefore, New Zealand honey may cost more per ounce than conventional honeys due to its unique yet costly source.
Another explanation for the cost of New Zealand honey is that it is simply not as easy to produce or obtain as other types of honey. When it comes to New Zealand honey, a lot of the process is done by hand—it is not produced with mass commercial honey bee hives or produced in large industrialized factories. This makes production costly and limits the amount of honey that can be produced. As a result, it can lead to a limited supply and higher demand.
Potential buyers may also be paying for the fact that the production of New Zealand honey is heavily regulated and monitored. According to Andrew, an apiary expert, “The government takes purity and quality assurance very seriously. Through strict regulations, the government is able to reduce the amount of imitation honey, and this is why we can have such confidence in the product.” As opposed to other types of honey that may contain harmful additives or be packaged with inaccurate labels, the assurance is that New Zealand honey is of superior quality.
Consumer’s willingness to pay for what they believe is quality is also part of the story. Ruth, a beekeeping enthusiast, says, “I think a lot of people are willing to pay for the prestige that comes along with New Zealand honey. We look for products that are not only healthy, but widely recognized as being superior in terms of quality.” New Zealand honey serves as a source of pride for consumers who are willing to pay a premium, whether it be due to its reputation or its source.
In New Zealand alone, honey production is expected to increase from 2900 metric tons in 2019 to 3400 metric tons by 2023, according to the Ministry of Primary Industries. This increased production may help reduce the cost of New Zealand honey in the near future, finally making it more accessible to a larger variety of buyers.
Mānuka Honey
Mānuka honey is perhaps the most prestigious form of New Zealand honey—held in high esteem for its medicinal properties that range from anti-microbial and antiseptic to anti-inflammatory. One type of Mānuka honey is certified as “bio active,” which signifies that its bacterial activity is especially high and that it has additional healing properties.
However, with the high regard that Mānuka honey commands, it often stands subject to extreme price gouging. As the scarcity of Mānuka honey increases due to both the limited supply and the high demand, suppliers may often take advantage of its presence and heavily mark up the price.
Unfortunately, this makes distinguishing between pure and imitation Mānuka honey difficult, as imitation Mānuka honey products are processed in laboratories with a variety of treatments and packaged with inaccurate labels. To guarantee authenticity, Mānuka honey should always be bought directly from a beekeeper or a trusted supplier.
Mānuka honey is often thought to have miraculous anti-bacterial properties, similar to those of medical-grade over-the-counter anti-bacterial ointments. It is believed that Mānuka honey can help accelerate healing and significantly reduce infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In some cases, Mānuka honey is applied directly to cuts and infections.
Though this is mostly anecdotal evidence, the health-promoting effects of Mānuka honey are gaining mainstream recognition, with more and more doctors and hospitals embracing its use. One such example is London’s Royal Liverpool University Hospital, which has introduced Mānuka honey dressings to treat bed sores.
Exportation and Availability
The export of honey from New Zealand to major international markets is increasing, with the majority of honey being sold to customers in Australia and the United States of America. Other countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and China also maintain significant demand for New Zealand honey.
In recent years, local supermarkets have also seen a rise in the amount of stocked New Zealand honey, either solely or in combination with other international honey supplies. This rise is likely due to the increasing demand for New Zealand honey, coupled with an increase in production and supply.
Additionally, buyers can purchase New Zealand honey from online platforms as well as through physical beekeeper shops. Buyers should always check for proper labeling and certification to guarantee that the honey they receive is true New Zealand honey.
The specialty nature of New Zealand honey explains why it is more expensive than other types of honey. Its purity and its medicinal-grade properties heighten its value and, consequently, its cost. While it is expensive, it is sure to remain in high demand due to its renowned reputation.
Bee Management
The management of the hive is also integral to the production of New Zealand honey. In New Zealand, beekeepers manage their hives with a focus on using sustainable processes that protect and preserve the habitat of their bee populations. Beekeepers use “dwarf hives” that are smaller in size so they are less disruptive to the environment.
It is much more expensive to manage a hive with this type of sustainable approach, but the benefits are worth it. Not only does the environment benefit, but the health and wellness of the hive itself is prioritized and bolstered.
Beekeepers in New Zealand are also adamant about preserving the species of their bees and ensuring that they are free of disease and genetic problems. To keep their bees healthy, beekeepers feed the bees and closely monitor their progress.
They also make sure that food sources are plentiful and that the environment is available for the bees to access. In addition, beekeepers routinely inspect their hives for any signs of disease. This level of care and attention is what produces the premium quality of New Zealand honey.
Cultural Significance
New Zealand honey is seen by the Indigenous Maori as a special manifestation of life force called mana. This belief is steeped in the ancient spiritual traditions of the Maori culture. Honey plays a role in traditional Maori ceremonies, as well as in medicinal and healing practices.
This deeply entrenched cultural importance explains why there is such great demand for New Zealand honey, particularly from the Maori community. The cost of New Zealand honey reflects its importance to Maori culture and is indicative of its price premium among international markets.
Sustainability
The rise of international demand for New Zealand honey has led to an increase in the demand for more beekeeping techniques in the beekeeping industry. To meet the need for more bees and honey, beekeepers are now engaging in practices that are more sustainable and less damaging to the environment.
Instead of tending to large hives, beekeepers are now raising their bees in smaller “dwarf hives” that are much less harmful to the environment. This type of beekeeping also requires significantly less space and more resources. Beekeepers are also now paying greater attention to the health and wellbeing of their bees in order to maximize the production of honey.
Another sustainable beekeeping approach is the use of organic bee feed. This helps ensure that bees are getting the proper amount of nutrition they need, without the potential dangers of feeding bees with chemical-filled food supplements. Finally, beekeepers are utilizing sustainable practices by planting trees and shrubs to help create a plentiful and natural food environment for their bees.
Conclusion
New Zealand honey is without a doubt one of the most expensive honeys available. Its higher price is justified through its superior quality, unique source, and expensive production process. Buyers must also be aware of the potential for price gouging, especially when it comes to Mānuka honey. The increase in production and the rise of sustainable beekeeping practices may help to reduce the cost of New Zealand honey in the near future.
