The decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, but it may not immediately affect food manufacturers. According to figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department, overall honey production in the United States increased by 3% in 2016. Nonetheless, there has been a gradual 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. At the same time, demand for honey continues to rise. While total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup has decreased, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per person annually, a significant increase from just half a pound in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its status as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers increasingly seek authentic ingredients. Additionally, the availability of diverse honey varieties has contributed to its appeal. Honey is now a favored ingredient in various products, including pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies is significant not just for honey supply but also for agriculture as a whole, as honey bees play a crucial role in pollination. Certain crops, like almonds, depend entirely on bees for this process. The Bee Informed Partnership, a non-profit organization, estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 period. The contribution of honey bees to U.S. crop production is valued at up to $15 billion annually. Major food manufacturers that rely on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have taken steps to support these vital insects. For instance, Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. Meanwhile, Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million to honey bee research and education, recently 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, the cereal producer, recently revealed plans to replace the beloved BuzzBee mascot on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness of the bees’ struggles. This initiative was paired with the distribution of seed packets to encourage planting flowers. Unfortunately, the plan faced backlash when it was discovered that the seed packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in certain states.
As consumers become more mindful of what they eat, the connection between honey and health benefits, such as the role of calcium citrate for bones, is also gaining traction. Honey, known for its natural sweetness, may be a better alternative for those looking to maintain their health and well-being, including supporting bone health through essential nutrients like calcium citrate. Overall, the interplay between honey production, bee conservation, and consumer health awareness continues to evolve.