A sweet Kiwi invention has been unveiled at Parliament - a device to prove a jar of manuka honey is the real deal.

An Auckland University team has created a small, portable unit that can shine a light on the honey and pick up two signature compounds that set it apart from other blends.

Honey association spokesman John Rawcliffe said this tool will recognise different honeys and their unique profiles.

"This honey, like all honeys are unique, all plants are unique - they have unique profiles. This is a tool that can measure that."

Consumers pay a premium for the honey and he said the device can prove they are getting the product they pay for.

Rawcliffe believes honey is already liquid gold for New Zealand and the development can only make things sweeter.

"Its going to be quite a powerful tool to strengthen the market, to improve production and help the consumer."