CVT
04/08/2014 13:02
GENERAL
REL: 1302 HRS Comvita Limited
GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Supports MPI Interim Guidelines
Global natural health products company Comvita (NZX: CVT) believes the
interim guidelines for Manuka honey which have been released today by MPI,
are a step in the right direction to bring much needed discipline to the New
Zealand Manuka honey industry.
Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett says, "We appreciate the approach that MPI have
taken. We will however, reserve judgement on the ability of these interim
guidelines to rein in the industry cowboys. Parts of the industry work
outside of the recognised UMF(R) standard or use other number systems, which
leads to confusion amongst consumers and regulators."
"In the absence of good clear industry wide agreed standards and a Government
agency like MPI enforcing them, it falls upon well established brands such as
Comvita and credible industry players such as those represented by the UMF(R)
quality standard, to portray the quality attributes of Manuka honey."
"The current benchmark industry standard for Manuka is the Unique Manuka
Factor (UMF(R)) quality mark. UMF(R) is a licensed trademark used by over 40
registered New Zealand-based honey producers who have signed up to a
voluntary and audited quality standard administered by the UMF Honey
Association (UMFHA) of New Zealand. The UMF(R) grading system has been in use
for almost 20 years."
"Comvita has built a global reputation over 40 years for delivering products
of the highest quality to our consumers around the world. We've been
exporting Manuka honey to the UK and Asia for over 20 years and have
repeatedly proven by independent analysis to be true to label."
"We are committed to ongoing discussions with MPI as well as participating in
the research needed to further develop the interim guidelines."
MPI Q&A:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/food/food-safety/manuka-honey/manuka-honey-questions-a
nd-answers
# Ends #
For further information:
Brett Hewlett, Comvita CEO, 021 740 160
Julie Chadwick, Comvita Communications Manager, 021 510 693
Background information
About Comvita (www.comvita.com)
Comvita (NZX:CVT) is a global natural health company committed to the
development of innovative products, backed by ongoing investment in
scientific research. We are the world leaders in Manuka (leptospermum) honey
and fresh-picked Olive Leaf Extract, which are at the core of the Comvita
product range.
Comvita pioneered the development and use of medical grade Manuka honey and
was the first to receive CE approval (2005) and FDA approval (2007). We
partner with US wound care company Derma Sciences Inc., (NASDAQ:DSCI), the
global licensee for Medihoney(R) specialist wound care products, which are
used in hospitals and medical centres around the world. Comvita processes and
sells more than 5,000 tonnes of honey annually, approximately 40% of New
Zealand's entire annual harvest. Comvita is also one of New Zealand's largest
beekeeping operators, with over 30,000 hives under direct management.
Comvita was founded in 1974 and today sells into more than 18 countries
through a network of our own branded retail locations, online (nine country
specific e-commerce websites) and third-party outlets. We have over 450 staff
located in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, the
United Kingdom and the USA.
End CA:00253453 For:CVT Type:GENERAL Time:2014-08-04 13:02:10
