New Zealand based analytical testing laboratory, Hill Laboratories has developed a new three-in-one test for the honey industry that can test manuka honey faster and more cost effectively than current conventional methods.
The Manuka Suite analyses the bioactive components in manuka honey and according to Hill Laboratories Food and Bioanalytical client services manager, Jill Rumney, Manuka Suite allows the organisation to group together three of their most popular and effective manuka honey tests.
“Our new Manuka Suite test combines the three vital compounds required for active manuka honey tests; dihydroxyacetone (DHA), methylglyxol (MGO) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), into one ground-breaking test,” said Rumney.
“DHA and MGO testing work in partnership to indicate the level of activity present in manuka honey and HMF testing assesses whether the honey has been heated or cooled. Previously these tests were undertaken separately.
“The newly introduced technology and methodology allow us to run our honey testing at a lower cost than before and so we are able to pass these savings on to the customer in the form of lower prices. It also allows us to turn around results quicker than ever before,” she said.
Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush and sells for a high premium worldwide. In order to sell the product for a price indicative of the manuka level, producers and sellers of honey need to undertake manuka honey tests.
Rumney says that the technology instrument employed by the test is the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). This singular piece of technology prepares the honey sample, turns it into liquid form and undertakes the DHA, MGO and HMF testing.
“As an indicator of the improved speed at which we can now take these tests, we used to be able to test one sample every half hour using three instruments, whereas with the UPLC, used in the Manuka Suite, we can now test a sample in seven minutes using only one instrument,” she said.
Rumney said that Hill Laboratories developed the Manuka Suite to meet the needs of its existing clients in the honey industry.
“Hill laboratories… [has] a vast number of honey clients and it’s of utmost importance to us to produce competitively priced tests for our clients without compromising on quality,” says Rumney
“The Manuka Suite is a response to the needs of existing and prospective honey clients, and we’re excited to have this offer go-live across the country.”