Health and beauty products company Comvita has purchased a new apiary business in Whanganui.

The Paengaroa-based business acquired Kiwi Honey Limited for an undisclosed sum last week to help strengthen its supply of Mauka honey.

Kiwi Honey Limited has 3500 beehives located throughout the Whanganui region.

Comvita chief executive Brett Hewlett says the business will provide Comvita with additional security of supply of Manuka honey and will become the fourth 100 per cent owned apiary business for Comvita.

The company already owns apiary businesses in the key geographic regions of Northland, Waikato and Wairarapa.

'Having a presence in the Whanganui region is strategically important as this area is renowned for its production of UMF honey.”

Brett says Kiwi Honey's owner Paul Sergent is a valued supplier of high quality Manuka honey to Comvita for more than 20 years.

'We're privileged to be given the opportunity to continue the proud legacy Mr Sergent has built up in the Whanganui region.”

'We're looking forward to meeting our new land owner partners and building a strong and enduring relationship into the future. We believe this apiary business has significant potential to grow and expand in the region and will benefit from Comvita's substantial resources in Manuka honey production.”

'The acquisition of strategically located apiary businesses has been important to Comvita in providing supply surety and meeting the rapidly growing global demand for our high quality, value-add products.

'In the coming season, we anticipate approximately a third of our honey will be sourced from Comvita owned apiaries. Our policy on honey supply remains one of supporting our loyal beekeeper supply partners and sourcing the majority of our Manuka honey requirements through these long-standing relationships.”

Brett says to ensure the supply of Manuka honey Comvita has undertaken the development of elite Manuka strains and agronomic studies for reforestation of marginal land.