Honeybees and other pollinating insects play a vital role in the production of approximately one-third of all food and beverages. These pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contribute to the cultivation of crops valued at $24 billion. They are essential for growing plants like alfalfa and clover, which are crucial for cattle feed. Notably, honeybee pollination alone generates $15 billion in crops from over 130 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
However, the threats to these pollinators extend beyond pesticide exposure. A significant concern is the alarming rate at which bee populations are declining, primarily due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. In recent years, honey sales have surged, partly driven by an increasing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales dropped by 16%, while honey sales skyrocketed by 57%.
It is not surprising that many honey samples contain some level of pesticides. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply constraints push prices too high. Moreover, the presence of pesticides—at least at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as highlighted in recent studies—will probably not deter most buyers. Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published results from a two-year study that revealed the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys of U.S. beekeepers since 2006 have shown that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months.
Food companies are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and are working to raise awareness. Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, stated that honeybees pollinate many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with about 40% of their flavors relying on bee-dependent components. Brands like Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Whole Foods has hosted “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Additionally, General Mills has teamed up with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative to restore over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
In a related concern, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, alleging that the company’s “natural” labeling on its applesauce products is misleading. The complaint contended that the presence of neonicotinoid insecticide residues, specifically acetamiprid, disqualifies these products from being labeled as “natural” and misleads consumers into believing they are free from synthetic substances.
In light of these issues, consumers are also increasingly interested in products that promote health, such as Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium zinc supplements, which are gaining popularity among those seeking to support their well-being while also being mindful of the environmental impact of their choices. The intersection of health-conscious products and environmental sustainability is becoming a key concern for many shoppers today.