Manuka honey is world famous for its taste and quality. It is produced by European honey bees feeding on nectar of manuka tree. This tree grows throughout New Zealand and in some parts of Australia. For over decade, there has been trademark battle between the two countries. New Zealand honey industry wanted manuka to become trademark. This would mean only New Zealand beekeepers could use word "manuka". However, Australia said this was wrong because it also produced manuka honey. The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decided that no one could trademark word "manuka". This means Australian beekeepers can use the word.
The word "manuka" is from Maori language. New Zealand beekeepers said because of this, no other country could use word "manuka" for its honey. They said manuka was "treasured" NZ species. New Zealand's manuka beekeepers said trademark decision was disappointing. They said New Zealand would continue to fight to protect its honey. In Australia, manuka tree is called "tea tree". The Australian Manuka Honey Association said it was "delighted" with decision. It said: "Our product has long history of being recognized as manuka honey. It is produced like NZ product is, and it also offers [health benefits] that consumers value so highly."
