FAQ's

A legitimate question - because Manuka honey is special in many ways:

- The South Sea myrtle (manuka), from whose flowers the nectar comes, grows exclusively in New Zealand and in a few regions of Australia.

- The manuka flowering period only lasts a few weeks each year, which makes harvesting particularly challenging.

- The honey yield is highly dependent on the weather. The climatic conditions in New Zealand are sometimes unstable, which can affect the quantity and quality.

- The transportation route from New Zealand to Europe is long and costly.

- Due to its origin and quality, Manuka honey is highly sought after worldwide.

In short: the combination of limited availability, costly harvesting and international demand makes this honey so valuable - and therefore more expensive than conventional honey.

Manuka honey can be enjoyed in many different ways - on its own or as a delicious addition to food and drinks:

Recommended consumption:
Enjoy 1-2 teaspoons pure every day and let the honey slowly melt in your mouth. Alternatively, you can stir it into lukewarm drinks such as tea or milk. Important: The temperature should not be too high to preserve the quality of the honey.

Note:
Manuka honey is a natural food and can be used as a supplement to a balanced diet. It is not a substitute for medical treatment. People with honey allergies or diabetes and infants under 12 months of age should consult a healthcare professional before consuming it or refrain from consuming it.

Totika stands for real Manuka honey from New Zealand - and for values that we are proud of. Our company is based in Kerikeri, in the far north of the North Island, and is one of the few that are still wholly owned by Kiwis.

What sets us apart:

100% Manuka honey - sourced mainly from the nectar of the Manuka flower (monofloral)

Origin and quality - fully produced and bottled in our own factory in New Zealand

Transparency from source to jar - our team follows the entire process, from hive to label

Ethical beekeeping - we work with our own beehives and in harmony with nature

Totika stands for authenticity, care and uncompromising quality - for all those who value origin and trust when it comes to honey.

In New Zealand, the export of Manuka honey is subject to strict regulations. In 2018, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) defined binding criteria that a honey must meet in order to be exported as genuine Manuka honey.

Every batch of Totika Manuka honey is therefore tested for specific markers that are only found in real Manuka honey. The honey is only allowed to leave New Zealand once it has passed the test.

This is how we ensure that our customers hold authentic, certified Manuka honey in their hands - directly from its original homeland.

The certificates for the honey can be found here

MGO stands for methylglyoxal - a naturally occurring compound that is contained in Manuka honey in particularly high concentrations. The higher the MGO value, the more methylglyoxal is detectable in the honey. This value is a key indicator of the quality and special nature of Manuka honey.

UMF is the abbreviation for Unique Manuka Factor. This is a seal of quality from New Zealand that tests other characteristics in addition to the MGO content, such as leptosperin and DHA - substances that are characteristic of genuine Manuka honey.

If you would like to find out more about MGO, UMF, authenticity tests and the special features of Manuka honey, you can find further information in our background dossier - [click here].

Totika Nature honey is also regularly tested by independent laboratories to confirm compliance with all required markers. You can find out more about quality assurance here.

No, there is no minimum order value.

As soon as we have received your order, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. As soon as the parcel has been handed over to Swiss Post, they will automatically inform you of the shipping status by e-mail and provide you with a tracking number.

Should there be any delays on our part, we will of course inform you in good time by e-mail.

We will hand over your order to Swiss Post within two working days (Monday to Friday). As a rule, your parcel will be delivered the next working day after handover. Please note: Delivery only takes place on working days and is based on official Swiss Post information.

In rare cases, delays may occur - in which case we will of course inform you in good time. Totika Nature Switzerland accepts no responsibility for any delays on the part of the post office.

We currently only deliver to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

For enquiries from abroad, please use the contact form. (Contact)

The following shipping costs apply for deliveries within Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Post Priority / A Mail):

Up to 2 kg: CHF 10.50

2 kg to 10 kg: CHF 13.50

Free shipping for orders over CHF 150:
From a purchase value of CHF 150, we pay the shipping costs - automatically!

Crystallization is a completely natural process that can occur with high-quality, natural honey. It is caused by the sugar composition (especially glucose) and is influenced by storage conditions such as temperature.

First things first:
Crystallized honey is not a sign of loss of quality. The taste and ingredients are retained. In fact, many people particularly appreciate the firmer, spreadable consistency.

Do you prefer liquid honey?
Then simply place the closed jar of honey in a warm water bath (max. 40 °C) and stir occasionally. This allows the honey to slowly become liquid again without damaging the valuable ingredients.

You can find more information on ideal storage in our FAQ section under “How to store Manuka honey?”

The optimum storage temperature for Manuka honey is between 10°C and 25°C. It is important to store the honey in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality.

Manuka honey should also be protected from excessive exposure to sunlight, as sunlight breaks down bioactive compounds.

Manuka honey is well tolerated by most people. However, there are some exceptions where caution is advised:

Allergies: people with known allergies to bee products or pollen should seek medical advice before consuming.

For babies under 12 months: As with all honey, there is a risk of infant botulism with Manuka honey. Therefore, babies should not be given honey in the first year of life.

For diabetes mellitus: Even though Manuka honey has special properties, it contains natural sugar. People with diabetes should therefore pay attention to the quantity and discuss consumption with their doctor.

Regular use of medication: If you are taking medication on a regular basis, clarify any possible interaction with your doctor in advance.

Excessive consumption: Despite possible positive effects, Manuka honey should be consumed in moderation - too much sugar can put a strain on teeth and metabolism.

If in doubt, we always recommend consulting a medical professional before taking Manuka honey - especially if you have an existing medical condition or are unsure.