Frequently asked questions

1. What makes The Bee Society different?

The Bee Society is a carefully curated collection of exceptional quality Manuka honey and honey products. All our products are 100% New Zealand made. Read more about our company. 

2. Are Honey products safe for children? 

Generally, it is considered safe for children older than 1 year. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Association of Pediatrics and the National Honey Board have recommended that it not be given to infants under 1 year old due to the risk of Botulism.

3. Does UMF really matter? 

Honey contains floral factors from the nectar. Each flower has its own therapeutic properties and it was found in Manuka bush from New Zealand, called MGO - methylglyoxal. 

To put it simply, "UMF" - Unique Manuka Factor, measures the quantity of MGO found in Manuka Honey.  The higher the rating, the more potent, and as a result, the more expensive is the honey. Shop our UMF range

4. What is MGO?

"MG" refers to methylglyoxal, an antibacterial component in manuka honey. MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. In Manuka Honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound -- dihydroxyacetone -- that is found in the nectar of manuka flowers.

In short, MG gives manuka honey some of its antibacterial power. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. But, there may also be other compounds involved in the medicinal effect of manuka honey. Shop our MGO range

5. Which should I trust? UMF or MGO?

Most authentic high-grade manuka honey from New Zealand includes a UMF rating on the label. Some honey producers instead use an MG or MGO rating. Here is how you understand UMF vs MGO.

6. How should I store my honey?

Honey is best stored in dark places at a consistent temperature between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 70 degree Fahrenheit). Hence, the kitchen pantry makes a great place to store honey.  

7. Shipping - when and where? 

We offer NZ wide courier, within 1 - 3 business days of placing your orders. We also offer International shipment. It may take up to 15 business days to receive your orders, depending on your zone. Take a look at our shipping zones and cost.

8. Do you offer express shipping or next day delivery?

Yes, we are able to offer express shipping or even next day delivery if your order meets a minimum requirement. Please contact our sales team at info@beesociety.co.nz for more information on express delivery.  

9. Can I purchase in bulk? 

Yes, we offer bulk orders. If you require bulk orders for wedding favours or corporate gifts, please send an email to info@beesociety.co.nz. 

10. Where is my order/can I track delivery progress? 

Once you have placed your order, you will receive an order confirmation with a sale invoice. As soon as your package has been picked up from our warehouse, you will receive a shipment notification email. You can use that email to check the status of your shipment. Do note that it may take up to 3 business days for us to process your order(s). 

If you haven't received a shipment confirmation email, please contact us.

11. What are the payment methods? 

The Bee Society offers several secure payment options, among which: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and more. We are currently working on more payment options.

If you can't find a suitable payment provider for your purchase, please contact us.

12. How do I cancel my order? 

If you have changed your mind about a purchase, The Bee Society can provide a refund provided that the items are still in our warehouse waiting to be sent out. Therefore should you have a refund request, we advise you to contact our support staff at info@beesociety.co.nz immediately for help.