While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers, as U.S. honey production increased by 3% in 2016, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nonetheless, there has been a gradual decrease in production over the years, dropping from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds in the past seven years. Concurrently, honey demand has been consistently rising. Despite the overall decline in U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per person each year, up from only half a pound in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its reputation as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers increasingly seek authentic ingredients. Additionally, the availability of diverse honey varieties has contributed to its appeal, making honey a favored ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The losses of honey bee colonies have significant implications beyond honey supply. Honey bees play a crucial role in agriculture as pollinators, with certain crops, such as almonds, relying entirely on them for pollination. According to the Bee Informed Partnership, approximately 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 period. Honey bees are estimated to add up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Consequently, major food manufacturers, who depend on both honey and the crops that bees pollinate, have taken initiatives to support these vital insects. For instance, Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. Similarly, Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million to promote honey bee research and education, including funding the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been successful. General Mills, known for its Honey Nut Cheerios, recently announced it would replace the beloved BuzzBee mascot on its packaging with a stark white silhouette to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This campaign was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the plan faced backlash when it was discovered that the seed packets contained seeds considered invasive or banned in some states.
Interestingly, amidst these discussions about honey bees and pollination, products like Kirkland Calcium Magnesium and Zinc have gained attention for their health benefits. As consumers become more health-conscious, the integration of such supplements into their diets has grown, paralleling the increased interest in natural sweeteners like honey. The intersection of health products and honey consumption highlights a broader trend of consumers seeking quality ingredients, whether in their snacks or dietary supplements.