Question 1

How do I sell my bulk pure New Zealand honey with Mānuka Orchard?

Accepted Answer

It’s simple — start by registering with us and listing the details of your honey, including variety, volume, harvest region, and any available testing results. We’ll connect your honey to serious bulk buyers both in New Zealand and overseas who are actively seeking quality product. Once a buyer is interested, we’ll coordinate sampling, compliance paperwork, contract terms, shipping arrangements, and payment, so you can focus on your beekeeping while we handle the business end. Our network includes reputable domestic processors, exporters, and international buyers who trust Mānuka Orchard as a source of genuine, high-quality New Zealand honey.

Ready for us to sell some of your honey?  Register your details here and our team will follow up for a friendly chat.

Question 2

While my bulk honey drums are stored at Mānuka Orchard, will I still own my honey? Or do you buy the honey from me?

Accepted Answer

Your honey remains entirely yours during storage. We operate as your partner, not a purchaser, unless you choose to sell directly to us in a separate transaction. This means you keep full control over your asset, while we manage the safe storage, compliance requirements, and sales process on your behalf. When a buyer confirms a purchase, we handle all logistics — from documentation to freight — and ensure that funds are transferred securely and promptly to you. Basically, you own it, we just protect it and store it perfectly to maintain and maximise the value of your asset.

Question 3

How do I find bulk honey buyers?

Accepted Answer

With Mānuka Orchard, you no longer have to search for buyers yourself.  You can if you want to? However, once registered, your honey is promoted to our curated network of local and international bulk honey buyers who trust us as a reliable source of premium New Zealand honey.

As part of our role in selling your honey, it will also be added to our central inventory register, which is accessible by our global network of vetted buyers — ensuring your product is visible to the right people at the right time.

This targeted approach means your honey is seen by decision-makers ready to purchase, not lost in a crowded, price-driven marketplace. We also tailor introductions to match your honey with buyers who value its unique characteristics, which can result in a better return.

Question 4

What kinds of honey do you accept and store at Mānuka Orchard?

Accepted Answer

We accept all pure, authentic New Zealand honey types - Mānuka, Clover, Rewarewa, Kamahi, Tāwari, Rātā, Pohutukawa, Blackberry, Thyme, and many more. Whether you have monofloral, multifloral, or blends, we can store it securely. Our facility is equipped for both small-scale lots and large commercial volumes, from a single bucket to hundreds of drums.

For Mānuka honey specifically, it doesn't need to be pre-tested before coming to us - we can assist with laboratory testing as part of our services. However, if you already have test results showing MGO levels or UMF grading, bring them along, as this helps us position your honey accurately for buyers from the outset.

If you're unsure whether your honey meets the bar, just get in touch - we'd rather have an honest conversation early than turn someone away at the gate.
Note that we would prefer to see moisture content at or below 18%, though we offer moisture reduction services if your honey is sitting a little higher than ideal.

Question 5

What if I only have a few buckets of honey to sell right now?

Accepted Answer

That’s absolutely fine. Smaller volumes are often in demand, particularly for boutique exporters, specialty retailers, and chefs looking for specific flavour profiles or regional origins. Your smaller lot may be exactly what a buyer is searching for, and our storage and sales process works just as effectively for small quantities as it does for large commercial consignments.

Question 6

Do you make money off my honey sales?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we take a small percentage of the final sale price, but our role is to help you achieve a higher price than you might otherwise get by selling on your own.

Because we connect you directly with interested, qualified buyers and handle negotiations professionally, our beekeepers often find they receive better net returns even after our commission.

Question 7

How and when do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Payment is tied to a confirmed date that's agreed on by all parties before anything moves.
Here's how the process works:

A buyer confirms a purchase and proposes a payment date
You (the seller) accept that payment date as part of the exchange agreement
The buyer makes payment to us
We release the honey to the buyer
We transfer your funds on the agreed date, directly to your nominated bank account

Everything is locked in before the honey moves, so you always know exactly when to expect your money. We'll keep you informed at each stage of the process.
If you have specific cashflow requirements or timing needs, it's worth raising those with us early - we'll factor them in where we can.

Question 8

Do you provide Mānuka Honey enhancing storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our storage is designed to maintain and even improve the quality of your honey over time. Temperature-controlled conditions help stabilise MGO levels and preserve taste and colour.

For Mānuka Honey, this means you may see an increase in market value as it matures in storage. We also offer ultra-low HMF filtering, which helps extend shelf life and ensures your honey stays within premium export specifications.

Question 9

How can you help me optimise my honey to get more sales?

Accepted Answer

Getting a better price for your honey often comes down to presentation and compliance - meeting the exact specifications that buyers in your target market are looking for. 
Here's how we can help:

Moisture Reduction: If your honey's moisture content is above the ideal threshold (typically 17–18.5%), we can gently dry it down to an optimal level, improving stability, shelf life, and buyer acceptance - especially for export markets with strict moisture requirements.

Filtration: We offer fine filtration to remove wax,bee fur, and other particulates that can affect appearance and clarity, without stripping the honey of its natural character.

Blending: If you have honey from multiple harvests, sites, or varieties, strategic blending can create a more consistent and commercially attractive product. We'll guide you on what combinations appeal to current buyers.

Laboratory Testing: We can coordinate testing for MGO levels, moisture content, HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural), Manuka markers, Monofloral classification, Pollen, Diastase, Glyphosate and other key markers through accredited laboratories. Having verified test results dramatically increases buyer confidence and achieves better per-kilo returns, particularly for Mānuka.

Ultra-Low addition of HMF processing: For honey intended for long-term storage or export into markets with tight HMF limits, we offer processing to keep HMF levels low - extending shelf life and ensuring your honey remains within premium export specifications over time.

Sampling: We prepare professional core drum samples for prospective buyers, ensuring your honey is presented in the best possible light during the sales process.

Not every consignment needs all of these - we'll have a straightforward conversation about your honey and recommend only what's likely to make a real difference to your return.

Question 10

What is honey moisture reduction or honey drying and how does it help?

Accepted Answer

Honey moisture reduction (honey drying) is the process of gently dehydrating excess water from honey to bring it within the ideal range for quality, stability, and export compliance.

Most buyers - and most export markets - require honey with a moisture content below 20%. The sweet spot for premium honey is typically 17–18%. Above 20%, honey becomes vulnerable to fermentation, which can render it unsaleable or require costly reprocessing. 
Seasonal conditions in New Zealand - particularly wet summers or early harvests - can push moisture levels higher than ideal, and this is more common than many beekeepers expect. Rather than losing value on an otherwise excellent crop, moisture reduction is a cost-effective way to bring your honey back into spec.

Our process uses controlled temperature and airflow to remove moisture without damaging the honey's natural compounds or flavour. For Mānuka honey, this is particularly important, as heat-sensitive compounds like HMF or Diastase  can be affected by poor processing.

If you're unsure what moisture level your honey is at, we can test it when it arrives on site.

Question 11

What do I do with fermented honey?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation can happen for a number of reasons, but it doesn’t have to mean a total loss.

We use a controlled, no-spill process to safely release the pressure in fermented drums, preventing mess, product loss, or safety hazards. From there, we can discuss options for reprocessing or redirecting the honey to suitable buyers who can use it in value-added products.

Question 12

What testing does my honey need before you can sell it?

Accepted Answer

Testing requirements depend on the type of honey and where it's headed, but here's a straightforward overview:

For standard honey varieties:
Basic quality parameters for the likes of clover, kamahi, rewarewa, etc - moisture content, HMF levels, and absence of contamination - are typically sufficient for domestic buyers. Export markets may have additional requirements depending on the destination country.

For Mānuka honey:
This is where testing becomes more involved. New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requires that any honey exported and labelled as Mānuka must meet a specific scientific definition. This involves two separate tests: a chemical marker test and a DNA marker test, both conducted by an accredited laboratory. Both must pass before the honey can be certified as Mānuka for export. There are two classifications - monofloral and multifloral Mānuka - with different thresholds for each. For exports to the EU, a monofloral classification must be achieved for a free trade at the border.

What we handle vs. what you're responsible for:
Mānuka Orchard can coordinate laboratory testing on your behalf as part of our services. However, as the beekeeper, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring your honey has been produced and stored in compliance with MPI requirements, and that harvest declarations and beekeeper listings for export are in order. If you're  MPI-registered and have been operating under a Risk Management Programme (RMP), you're likely already familiar with these requirements.

If you're newer to selling bulk or haven't navigated export compliance before - talk to us and we'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your specific honey and target market.

Question 13

What is MGO, and how does it affect the price I can get for my Mānuka honey?

Accepted Answer

MGO stands for methylglyoxal - the naturally occurring compound in Mānuka honey that gives it its distinctive antibacterial properties and is the primary driver of its premium value.

MGO is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). So an MGO rating of 400 means 400mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey. The higher the number, the more potent the honey - and generally, the higher the price it commands.

Here's a rough guide to how MGO levels translate to market value:

MGO 100–250:  	Entry-level Mānuka, multifloral. Suitable for food-grade and everyday wellness use.
MGO 300–550:  	Mid-range, increasingly popular with health-conscious consumers.
MGO 600–800:  	Premium grade, significant price premium in most markets.
MGO 1000+:    		High-potency, commands top dollar - particularly in markets like Japan, China, USA, Europe and the Middle East.

One important thing to know: MGO levels in Mānuka honey can initially increase, pause and then decline during storage, as the precursor compound DHA (dihydroxyacetone) converts to MGO over time and diminishes. This means that well-managed storage isn't just about preservation - it can genuinely increase the value of your honey. We take this seriously in how we store Mānuka at our facility.

You may also encounter the UMF grading system (Unique Mānuka Factor), which is a broader quality trademark that tests for multiple markers including MGO, DHA, and leptosperin. UMF certification can attract a further premium, particularly in markets that recognise the UMFHA trademark, but it involves additional certification costs.

When you register your honey with us, we'll help you understand what grade you likely have and which buyer segments it's best suited for.

Question 14

What's the difference between monofloral and multifloral Mānuka honey - and does it matter for bulk sales?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it absolutely matters - both in terms of price and the buyers you'll attract.

Monofloral Mānuka means the honey is predominantly from Mānuka nectar. It meets a higher threshold of the key chemical and DNA markers and is classified as the premium tier of Mānuka honey. It commands higher prices and is sought after by buyers selling into health, wellness, and premium retail markets.

Multifloral Mānuka means the honey contains Mānuka nectar but also significant contributions from other floral sources. It still meets the MPI definition for Mānuka honey (at lower marker thresholds) but is typically sold at a lower price point - often into food service, ingredient use, or markets where strong Mānuka potency isn't the primary requirement.

In practical terms, the distinction comes down to where your hives are placed, the density of Mānuka in that area, and the time of harvest. Pure, remote Mānuka bush sites tend to produce monofloral; areas with mixed vegetation typically yield multifloral.

For bulk buyers, this distinction is important because it determines labeling rights in export markets, and buyers will pay very different prices for each. The good news is that both have a market - multifloral Mānuka is in consistent demand and can still deliver solid returns when handled well.

If you're not sure which classification your honey falls into, laboratory testing will determine this definitively.

Question 15

How long might my honey sit in storage before it sells?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, it varies - and we'd rather give you a straight answer than an overly optimistic one.

For well-tested, clearly graded honey that matches current buyer demand, sales can happen relatively quickly. Our network of buyers is active, and when the right product meets the right buyer, we move efficiently.

That said, bulk honey sales are not instant. National and  International buyers conduct due diligence, request samples, negotiate terms, and manage their own inventory cycles. Determining a time-frame for most consignments once matured can vary, though high-demand grades or varieties with strong buyer interest can move faster.

A few things that affect how quickly your honey sells:
- Clear, verified testing results (speeds up buyer confidence significantly)
- Competitive pricing relative to current market rates
- Honey that's within export spec and doesn't require remediation
- The grade and variety - premium monofloral Mānuka with strong MGO is generally faster-moving than undifferentiated multifloral

The good news is that while your honey is stored with us, it's being actively maintained and promoted. And for Mānuka honey in particular, time in properly managed storage can actually increase MGO levels and therefore value - so patience can be rewarded.

We'll always be upfront with you about market conditions and realistic expectations when you register.

Question 16

What contracts or agreements are involved in selling through Mānuka Orchard?

Accepted Answer

We keep things clear and straightforward - no lengthy fine print designed to confuse.

When you register your honey with us, that registration covers:

- Ownership: 		Your honey remains yours until it sells. We act as your agent, not as a buyer. 
- Storage terms: 	Conditions, duration, and any associated storage fees are agreed up front.
- Sale process: 		Sampling, negotiations, and contract terms are handled on your behalf and presented to you for final approval before a sale.
- Payment terms: 	We pay you on time in the agreed sale process, storage is charged monthly, services are charged on 7 day invoices.
- Insurance: 		You are required to ensure your own product while on site
- Exit: 			If you decide to withdraw your honey from storage and sale this is a free of charge service that requires a preferred 48 hours notice of collection.

Before anything is signed, we'll walk you through any agreements in plain language. If you have questions, we'd rather answer them thoroughly before you commit than have any uncertainty down the track.
Get in touch to discuss - there's no obligation to register until you're comfortable with the terms.

Question 17

Do I need to be MPI-registered to sell bulk honey through Mānuka Orchard?

Accepted Answer

For domestic sales, formal MPI registration is not always required - though you must be operating legally as a beekeeper and your honey must be genuine and unadulterated.

For export sales, the requirements are stricter. New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requires that exported honey can only be sourced from beekeepers who are listed with MPI. If you're supplying honey for export, you'll need to be MPI-listed and be able to provide a harvest declaration - a record (E-Cert) confirming the origin, volume, and handling of each delivery of honey.

If you're already a registered beekeeper selling into commercial markets, you're likely already compliant. If you're newer to bulk selling and unsure of your registration status or obligations, we recommend checking with MPI directly or speaking with us - we can point you in the right direction.

We can only accept honey for export purposes from MPI-listed beekeepers, so it's worth getting this sorted early if you haven't already. It's not a difficult process, but it does take a little time.

Bee Informed.

The Mānuka Orchard FAQ