New Zealand Firm Comvita Moves to Secure Manuka Honey Supply

NBR, 11/10/2104

Comvita, which produces health products derived from manuka honey, has entered into a joint venture with East Taupo Lands Trust to harvest manuka honey, securing the supply of its main ingredient.

The joint venture Kaimanawa Honey GP will initially start with 3,000 hives to harvest manuka honey on Ngati Tūwharetoa trust's land holdings, the Te Puke-based company said in a statement. Comvita will provide the beekeeping equipment and management systems while East Taupo Lands Trust will lease the land to the joint venture.

“It is not so long ago that manuka trees on Maori land blocks were being cut down for firewood," said  East Taupo Lands Trust chairman Jim Maniapoto. "Today we recognise the value of manuka and the initiatives offered by Comvita…