The UMF™ Standard
The trusted mark of authentic New Zealand mānuka honey.
Every jar carrying the UMF™ mark has been independently tested to verify its authenticity, purity and natural potency.
Why UMF™ matters
Not all mānuka honey is the same.
Not all mānuka honey is the same. UMF™ certification confirms that the honey in your jar is genuine New Zealand mānuka, verified through independent laboratory testing. It measures key natural compounds that define the honey’s strength, quality and authenticity, giving you confidence in what you’re buying.
Why UMF™ exists
UMF™ certification protects the integrity of genuine New Zealand mānuka honey by verifying its natural compounds, potency and origin through laboratory testing. Only honey that meets these standards can carry the UMF™ trademark.
More Than Just MGO
Mānuka honey is often associated with MGO, the naturally occurring compound responsible for much of its antibacterial activity. But UMF™ measures more than a single marker. The certification verifies several naturally occurring compounds that together confirm the honey’s authenticity, potency and freshness.
MGO is one measure. UMF™ is the full picture:
MGO is the compound responsible for much of mānuka honey’s natural antibacterial activity. Higher levels of MGO indicate greater bioactive strength and contribute to the honey’s unique functional properties.
Leptosperin is a compound found almost exclusively in mānuka honey. It acts as a key authenticity marker, helping confirm that the honey originates from the nectar of the mānuka plant.
DHA naturally occurs in mānuka nectar and gradually converts into MGO as the honey matures. This process contributes to the development of mānuka honey’s characteristic potency.
HMF is used as an indicator of freshness and heat exposure. Low HMF levels confirm the honey has been carefully handled and processed to maintain its natural quality.
Find your strength
UMF™ numbers offer different benefits. Find the strength that suits you.
UMF™ 5-8+
Everyday wellness and daily use.
UMF™ 10+
A popular strength for regular immune and digestive support.
UMF™ 15+
Higher potency mānuka with increased antibacterial activity.
UMF™ 20+ and above
Premium mānuka with the highest levels of natural activity.
Trust the UMF™ mark
UMF™ certification is governed by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association.
Each batch of honey must pass strict testing for purity, potency, authenticity and freshness before it can carry the UMF™ mark.
This ensures that the mānuka honey you are buying meets the highest New Zealand standards.
Authentic from hive to jar
For Watson & Son, UMF™ certification is part of a larger commitment. Every jar of our mānuka honey is harvested, tested and packed in New Zealand, ensuring authenticity and traceability from hive to jar.
Because genuine mānuka honey should always be verified.
