While the decrease in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers. According to figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department, overall U.S. honey production actually increased by 3% in 2016. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable trend of declining production, dropping from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the past seven years. In contrast, honey demand continues to rise steadily. Despite a decline in total 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 year, a significant increase from just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its perception as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers seek more authentic ingredients, along with the increasing availability of various honey types. Honey has also become a favored ingredient in a range of products, including pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of honey bee colonies significantly impacts not just honey supply but agriculture as a whole, as honey bees are vital pollinators for many crops, including almonds, which depend entirely on bees for pollination. The non-profit Bee Informed Partnership estimated that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute approximately $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production, highlighting their critical role in the agricultural ecosystem.
In response, major food manufacturers that rely on honey and other crops vital to bee pollination have taken steps to support these essential insects. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million towards honey bee research and education initiatives, recently funding the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley. However, not all efforts have been successful. Cereal maker General Mills recently revealed plans to replace the iconic BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a white silhouette of the character to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This initiative was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage flower planting, but it faced backlash when some of the packets contained seeds considered invasive or banned in certain states.
Interestingly, as the demand for honey grows alongside the need for other agricultural products, the importance of calcium citrate absorption also comes into play. The health benefits of honey, including its potential impact on calcium citrate absorption, have further fueled its popularity among health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, the relationship between honey production and nutrient absorption will likely continue to be an important area of focus for both researchers and food manufacturers alike.