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 overall U.S. honey production saw a 3% increase in 2016, according to figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department. Nonetheless, the long-term trend indicates a decrease in 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. Simultaneously, the demand for honey has been on a consistent rise. Even as the overall U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup has diminished, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey annually, 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, catering to consumers seeking more authentic ingredients, as well as the broader availability of various honey types. Honey has also gained traction as a favored ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies is not only critical for honey availability; honey bees play an essential role in agriculture as pollinators. Certain crops, such as almonds, depend entirely on bees for pollination. The not-for-profit organization Bee Informed Partnership estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Major food manufacturers that rely on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have taken steps to support these vital 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 to fund honey bee research and education, recently financing the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been successful. Cereal manufacturer General Mills recently revealed plans to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a stark white outline of the character to raise awareness about the challenges facing bees. This effort was paired with the distribution of seed packets to encourage flower planting. Unfortunately, the initiative faced backlash after it was discovered that the packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in some states.
Additionally, consumers are increasingly seeking products that incorporate beneficial nutrients, such as those found in calcium citrate dischem, as they pursue healthier lifestyles. The focus on natural ingredients, including honey, aligns with this trend, further driving its demand in various food products. As honey remains a sought-after ingredient, the challenges posed by declining bee populations will need to be addressed effectively to ensure a sustainable supply for future generations.