A poor summer means manuka honey production will be down this year, just as more research points to the benefits of the unique New Zealand product.

But one beekeeper is warning the manuka "gold rush" may be spreading itself too thinly, which could force some beekeepers out.

Earlier this month Cardiff Metropolitan University researchers announced they had found further evidence of manuka honey's antibacterial properties, suggesting it could be used clinically to treat infections that often fail to respond to antibiotic treatment.

The Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association said the release of such research could generate more overseas interest in the unique Kiwi product.

Manuka Health New Zealand has also brought out a German scientist who discovered the compound in manuka honey responsible for its anti-bacterial properties. Professor Thomas Henle will unveil further unique features of manuka honey on Monday.

But the main manuka production areas of the North Island have suffered a poor flowering season.

National Beekeepers Association vice-president Stephen Black told NZ Newswire there was next to no manuka honey production in his area of Taranaki.

Most beekeepers would now be relying on alternative sources, such as bush and clover honey.

There was the potential for a poor manuka season to break any businesses that relied on it too much, he said.

There had been a "gold rush" as people got into beekeeping to cash in on the popularity of manuka honey products, but there was only a limited amount of the honey.

"It's getting spread thinner and thinner and thinner. That's a concern."

An industry worth more than $100 million a year has been developed since researchers at Waikato University discovered anti-bacterial qualities unique to manuka honey.