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. 

 Contact Us  Download the honey testing brochure

Latest Stories

Hill News August 2026 - Update from our MD, Dr Jonno Hill

As I write this, we are finishing the clean up after a complex and high-stakes piece of work which was delivered over the weekend – an upgrade to the power supply at our largest lab, located in Hamilton. This has been months in the planning, and included a full power shut down to the site, with generators used to keep essential operations running until the power was restored.
  27 Aug 2026

From the Desk of Peter Lord – CEO

It has been a busy and productive year for Hill Labs, with several important milestones that reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting customers with reliable, responsive and innovative laboratory services. One of the highlights has been the successful establishment of our raw milk testing service from June. As the dairy season builds, sample numbers are now picking up, and it is encouraging to see this new capability already supporting the sector.
  27 Aug 2026

NZIFST – Looking to the Future!

Hill Labs was pleased to attend the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST) Conference again this year - an event that brings together a diverse group, including students, scientists, food technologists and new product developers from across the food sector.  
  27 Aug 2026

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.