Australia's Manuka honey makers are fighting back in response to a trademark application by New Zealand producers.
The Australian Manuka Honey Association, a newly created collective of Australian honey companies, is seeking to fend off the attempt.
Manuka honey is derived from the tea tree, and is believed to be native to Australia and to have migrated to New Zealand. The product is made in both countries.
According to the Australian Manuka Honey Association, New Zealand has only one species of manuka, whereas Australia has more than 80.
Last year, a group of New Zealand producers applied to trademark the words 'manuka honey' in Australia, the US, the UK, China and New Zealand, but the application was deemed descriptive, rather than distinctive in the US and Australia.
