The Mānuka Honey Appellation Society have withdrawn legal action in the UK to trademark the word mānuka, but have promised the campaign isn't over.

Australian honey producers have been using the mānuka banner to sell their honey and claimed victory over the withdrawn appeal. 

Mānuka Honey Appellation Society CEO John Rawcliffe says that the Australian honey producers have jumped the gun by celebrating, and that they aim to continue the campaign to protect the term.

"It was a strategical move. We had advice it was best to withdraw and through the Mānuka Charitable Trust, reapply. It's as simple as that. It's the best advice we've got from our legal advisers."

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