While the decline in Virginia’s honey production poses challenges for the local economy, it may not immediately affect food manufacturers, as overall honey production in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nevertheless, a concerning trend has emerged over the years, with production decreasing from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the past seven years. Meanwhile, honey demand continues to rise steadily. Despite a drop in the overall U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners such as 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 this growing interest in honey to its status as a pure, natural sweetener, appealing to consumers who seek more authentic ingredients, alongside the greater variety of honey available in the market. Honey has also gained popularity as an ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
Colony losses significantly impact not only honey supply but also agriculture as a whole, as honey bees are essential pollinators for many crops, including almonds, which depend entirely on bees for pollination. The Bee Informed Partnership, a non-profit organization, estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-2016 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute roughly $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Major food manufacturers, who rely on honey and other crops that bees pollinate, have taken steps to support these vital insects. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Similarly, Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has donated over $1 million to fund honey bee research and education, including the establishment of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been successful. General Mills, the cereal manufacturer, recently revealed plans to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a stark white outline of the character to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This effort was supported by distributing seed packets to encourage flower planting, yet the plan faced backlash after the packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in certain states. In the broader context of food manufacturing, the integration of ingredients like USP certified calcium citrate into products further underscores the industry’s commitment to quality and consumer health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between popular sweeteners like honey and essential nutrients. As the demand for honey and other health-conscious ingredients rises, manufacturers must navigate these complexities while ensuring they support the ecosystems that provide these vital resources.