Manuka honey is famous for its quality. European honey bees drink the nectar of the manuka tree to make it. This tree grows in New Zealand and in some parts of Australia. For over a decade, these two countries have battled over manuka honey. New Zealand wanted to trademark it, so only New Zealand beekeepers could use the word "manuka". However, Australia said it also produced the honey. The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand decided that no one could trademark the word "manuka". This means Australian beekeepers can use the word.

The word "manuka" is from the Maori language. New Zealand said because of this, no other country could use the word for honey. New Zealand's manuka beekeepers said the trademark decision was disappointing. They will continue to fight to protect their honey. In Australia, the manuka tree is called the "tea tree". Australia's beekeepers said they were "delighted" with the decision. They said: "Our product has a long history of being [known] as manuka honey. It is produced like the NZ product is, and it also offers the [health benefits] that consumers value so highly."