Importer Brings Medicinal Manuka Honey to America

Rare New Zealand Honey Leads to Sweet Importing Business
Gretchen Metz, The Mercury (USA), 2/5/2007

WILLISTOWN -- The buzz about manuka honey has to do with its health benefits, not its flavorful properties in a glazed carrots recipe.

The antibacterial-rich honey is produced by bees during the few weeks a year New Zealand‘s manuka bushes are in bloom and is touted as a treatment for everything from skin conditions to digestive disorders.

Known in parts of Europe, New Zealand and Australia, the product is virtually unknown in the United States, but Fiona Nelson wants to change all that.

In October, Nelson opened Wedderspoon Organic, an importing company that is bringing the honey to the U.S.

"People know about it in England and are surprised they can‘t get it here," Nelson said.

Thus far, the native of Britain has her 100-percent organic honey pots on the shelves of Kimberton Whole Foods and Arrowroot, and is working her way into health food stores across the country thanks to trade show appearances and a targeted online marketing campaign.

The product is also available on Nelson’s Web site, www.wedderspoon.com...