Comvita strongly supports recent action taken by the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) to protect the UMF® (Unique Manuka Factor) brand and customers around the globe who use UMF® honey products.

This follows the announcement today that a search warrant has been executed by police as part of an investigation into the alleged fraudulent activity by a senior employee of a honey company licensed to sell UMF® (Unique Manuka Factor™) honey and honey products.

Brett Hewlett, Comvita CEO says, “As the largest manufacturer and exporter of Manuka honey, we endorse AMHA’s strong action to preserve the integrity of the UMF® brand in New Zealand; and also the wider action taken in key offshore markets. The credibility of the brand is of paramount importance, not only to our business but to the New Zealand beekeeping industry as a whole.”

UMF® is a special antibacterial activity not found in other honeys, making UMF® Manuka Honey one of the most sought after honeys in the world. It is taken internally to assist the digestive function and on wounds to support natural healing and immune response.  Licensed users of the UMF® brand are required to meet set criteria which include regular monitoring and auditing in order to ensure premium quality.

“All Comvita UMF® honey products are independently tested and certified to have the special UMF antibacterial property level as indicated on the label. Very high quality standards have been set” says Hewlett.

Comvita’s Active UMF®15+ Manuka honey was named “Best Manuka” in the latest issue of the BBC’s Good Food Magazine; the UK publication tested over 40 honeys to find the best.

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Media release
31 January 2008

Healthy living the Mediterranean way

New Zealanders will be able to enjoy the benefits of one of Australia’s fastest growing health supplements following today’s launch of Comvita’s latest product – Comvita High-Strength Olive Leaf Complex.

Comvita’s Olive Leaf Complex is an all-natural daily health tonic which blends the benefits of the world’s oldest cultivated tree with modern extraction processes that use only fresh, natural olive leaves.

The launch extends Comvita’s natural health care portfolio, complementing the Manuka honey and other bee-derived products Comvita is renowned for.

At the launch on Waiheke Island Julian Archer, co-founder of Olive Products Australia, Comvita’s recent acquisition, said that while many New Zealanders are aware of the traditional health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, it is fresh olive leaf complex that packs the strongest punch.

“Research shows Comvita’s fresh Olive Leaf Complex contains more than 30 times the health-giving antioxidants than extra virgin olive oils and it is 400 per cent more powerful than vitamin C.”

Antioxidants are substances that protect cells against the damage caused by free radicals – molecules that are produced when the body is exposed to poor diet, pollution, tobacco smoke or excessive sunlight.  Protection from free radical damage is important for healthy heart and circulation, maintaining healthy blood pressure and respiratory health, plus premature ageing and skin health.

For many years scientists have studied the antioxidant properties found in olive leaves to discover why the Mediterranean diet appears to support heart health and the body’s natural defences. Recent scientific studies prove antioxidant compounds are more potent when derived from fresh olive leaves than reconstituted products.

“Over the past two years an Australia-wide public trial of fresh olive leaf extract with more than 2000 health professionals showed nearly 90 per cent of those surveyed experienced health benefits including improved energy, support for the immune responses to winter ills and chills and clear airways in the head and sinuses,” says Julian.

“Other findings showed support for joint mobility, improved skin health and enhanced general wellbeing.”

In addition, a recent 90 patient U.S. clinical study also showed positive support for joint mobility.1

Dave Bathgate, general manager Healthcare at Comvita, says that since its launch in Australian stores four years ago, OPA’s Olive Leaf Extract has become one of that country’s fastest growing health supplements.

“Australian retail sales of Olive Leaf Extract passed AU$15m in 2007 and users are reporting a range of health benefits that we’re hoping New Zealanders will experience as well.”

Comvita’s Olive Leaf Complex is grown on a plantation of more than half a million scientifically-selected olive trees near Brisbane and is the world’s largest Olea europaea grove dedicated solely to the health-giving leaves. Comvita purchased Olive Products Australia for AU$26m in late 2007.

Comvita’s High Strength Olive Leaf Complex is the only fresh olive extract in New Zealand and will be available at selected pharmacies and health food stores from February 2008 and comes in two flavours – natural or peppermint. RRP 100ml $14.90 and 500ml $39.90. The product will be available in Australia, UK and Hong Kong following the New Zealand launch. Always read the label and use as directed.

References
1.    Bitler CM et al. "Olive extract supplement decreases pain and improves daily activities in adults with osteoarnthritis and decreases plasma homocysteine in those with rheumatoid arthritis.” Nutrition Research August 2007.

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TAPs approval #PP4941