With Phil Caskey, NZ Manuka Group
Phil joined us to share the remarkable story behind one of New Zealand’s most innovative natural products companies.
He walked us through how NZ Manuka Group took some of the country’s most iconic natural resources — seaweed, Manuka leaves, and nectar collected by bees, and transformed them into a diverse range of high-value consumer and medical-grade products. These include laboratory-grade agar and biomedia, UMF-certified Manuka honey, natural health products, and Manuka oil that is now recognised worldwide.
Phil reflected on how the company didn’t just focus on exporting premium products, but also on creating meaningful partnerships. NZ Manuka Group invested heavily in science, research, and marketing, and made sure the benefits were shared with beekeepers, landowners, and local communities. Their collaborative model allowed a wide network of stakeholders to participate in the growth and success of the Manuka ecosystem.
As the founder, Phil recounted how he recognised early on that the potential of Manuka went far beyond honey. That insight set him on a path of continuous innovation — establishing new production facilities, advancing scientific research, developing Manuka plantations, and expanding into new product categories.
He described leading much of this work from the front: forming partnerships, guiding research teams, building relationships, and even rolling up his sleeves to help construct harvesting and processing facilities.
His presentation offered an inspiring look at how vision, science, and collaboration came together to build a globally respected brand. Attendees heard firsthand how product diversification and innovation have shaped the company’s journey — and how those same principles continue to guide its future.