The Australian Mānuka Honey Association has welcomed the move by New Zealand’s Mānuka Charitable Trust that it would not appeal the trademark ruling by New Zealand’s Intellectual Property Office (NZIPO). 

Last month, the NZIPO rejected a trademark application for exclusive rights to the term “mānuka honey” because it was a descriptive term. 

This followed earlier Australian successes in other jurisdictions, including the UK and Europe. New Zealand producers had until June 21 to appeal the decision.

“We are very pleased to learn that there will be no appeal from what was a very well-considered ruling by the NZIPO,” explains Australian Mānuka Honey Association chairman Ben McKee. 

“This closes a legal chapter that has been costly for all involved, and we can refocus our attention on promoting Australian mānuka honey globally.”

“We will continue to seek collaboration with our NZ counterparts, as there is more to be gained in working together as the only two producers of native mānuka honey than in fighting protracted legal battles,” he comments. 

Room for both?

With rising international demand for mānuka honey and its unique health and wellness properties, McKee believes there is room for both Australian mānuka honey and New Zealand mānuka honey in “key markets.”

“Together, we have a good story about the scientifically-supported benefits of honey from the Leptospermum plants, whichever side of the Tasman that honey comes from.”

McKee also highlights that while many New Zealand industry members felt strongly about their local product, this was also true in the Australian industry. 

“I would welcome those in New Zealand to know more about the long associations that Australia’s First Nations people have with mānuka and the reality of our industry in Australia. We are all beekeepers and lovers of bees and honey.”