The Mānuka Honey Appellation Society has successfully certified the term 'mānuka honey' in New Zealand.
Mānuka blossoms Photo: Supplied / Bayleys
The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand has accepted the term as a proposed certification mark.
The Office said the certification meant the mark 'mānuka honey' will differentiate New Zealand's honey from other countries like Australia.
Mānuka Honey Appellation Society spokesperson John Rawcliffe said the result was yet another major step forward for all New Zealanders.
"It follows on from a similar UK Trade Registry decision late last year which also accepted the term 'mānuka honey' as a proposed certification mark.
"With the New Zealand announcement, we have now achieved two solid wins in a row and are significantly well ahead of where we were just three months ago."
Victor Goldsmith, from Ngāti Porou Mīere Limited Partnership, was also pleased with the decision.
"The ruling effectively recognises that Mānuka is a Māori word that has important cultural significance for the indigenous people of New Zealand. It also validates the position Māori hold in terms of protecting Mānuka for current and future generations."
The Mānuka Honey Appellation Society is also applying for similar certification trade marks in other territories including China and the US.