Ann: GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Invests in World Class

• Release Date: 25/09/13 15:07
• Summary: GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Invests in World Class Honey Testing Facility
• Price Sensitive: No
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					CVT
25/09/2013 13:07
GENERAL

REL: 1307 HRS Comvita Limited

GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Invests in World Class Honey Testing Facility

Global natural health and beauty products company Comvita is investing a
further $1 million in a state of the art laboratory facility which will
enable it to expand its testing and research capability for Manuka honey.

Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett said, "We're investing in equipment that is the
best available in the world and represents the highest levels of analytical
performance. Developing a centre of excellence for honey testing will give us
a leading edge when it comes to consumer confidence and trust in our
products."

"Our purchase of an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and a UHPLC with a
Quantiva Mass Spectrometer detector means we will also be expanding the size
of our laboratory and staffing. The Quantiva is the first of its type in New
Zealand."

"This investment will enable us to speed up the test result turnaround time
and improve our ability to service our markets. It also provides us
capability to develop additional tests as required for other products, and
the equipment can also be used for research and development work."

Mr. Hewlett said the recent scrutiny of the quality and safety of New Zealand
food products means increased testing of honey to provide assurances to our
global customers of freshness, purity, safety and authenticity has become
essential. High level assurances of this nature are becoming a worldwide
requirement and Comvita is committed to maintaining a leadership position in
this regard.

Manuka Honey quality standards
Comvita is licensed to use the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) quality mark, a
system backed by an industry quality standard, independent audits and a
network of accredited laboratories around the world.

"Comvita was the first in the world to implement a new UPHLC laboratory
method that detects in a single test for UMF, any effects of heat damage and
the freshness of Manuka Honey. This rapid 3 in 1 test has given us enormous
advantages in screening for the highest possible Manuka honey quality. We can
provide assurances to our global customers that the quality is consistent and
will remain so for the entire shelf-life of the product."

Concern about food safety is a global phenomenon says Mr. Hewlett, and our
decision to make this investment in our own testing facility will further
strengthen our position as the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of
Manuka honey.

# Ends #

For further information:
Comvita Chief Operating Officer, Scott Coulter, 021 386 988
Comvita Chairman, Neil Craig, 021 731 509
Comvita Communications Manager, Julie Chadwick, 021 510 693

Background information

About Comvita (www.comvita.co.nz)
Comvita is an international natural health and beauty company committed to
the development of innovative products, backed by credible scientific
research. We are the global leader in Manuka (leptospermum) honey and
fresh-picked Olive Leaf Extract, which are at the core of the Comvita product
range. We have approximately 30% of honey supply under our ownership with the
balance of supply from long term contractual and partnership arrangements.
Comvita's Olive Leaf Extract is grown, harvested, extracted and bottled at
the world's largest specialised olive leaf grove, with over 580,000 olive
trees. Comvita sells into more than 18 countries through a network of
wholesale and third-party outlets and online. We have offices in New Zealand,
Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
End CA:00241570 For:CVT    Type:GENERAL    Time:2013-09-25 13:07:06