Australia's Manuka honey makers have rolled out a set of guidelines in defence of the nutrient-rich product.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) was formed in October last year to fend off an attempt by New Zealand producers to trademark the honey.
Manuka honey is derived from the tea tree, and is believed to be native to Australia and to have migrated to New Zealand.
This month, the collective has released an international set of guidelines that benchmark authentic Australian Manuka.
AMHA chairman Paul Callander said the guidelines were produced by scientists Dr Peter Brooks, Dr Shona Blair, Dr Nural Cokcetin and Dr Craig Davis.
"These scientists are experts in the Manuka honey field and have outstanding global reputations," he said.
"No-one could doubt the credibility of these guidelines, which will now be circulated internationally.”
Once certified as authentic Australian Manuka honey, in compliance with the Criteria for Defining Australian Manuka Honey, producers which are members of the AMHA will have the opportunity to display the AMHA’s Mark of Authenticity on their tested and approved products.
