While the decline in honey production in Virginia is unfortunate for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers, as U.S. honey production overall increased by 3% in 2016, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable downward trend 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, honey demand has been on the rise. Despite a decrease 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 annually, compared to just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its reputation as a pure, natural sweetener, particularly as consumers seek more authentic ingredients. Additionally, the variety of honey options available has expanded, leading to its increased use in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies is significant not only for honey supply but also for agriculture, as honey bees serve as crucial pollinators. Certain crops, such as almonds, 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 2015-16 period. Honey bees are believed to add up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Large food manufacturers that rely on honey and other crops that bees pollinate have begun initiatives to support these essential insects. For instance, Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and launched “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million towards 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 succeeded. General Mills, the cereal producer, recently revealed that it would replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a stark white outline of the character to raise awareness about the challenges faced by bees. This campaign was paired with the distribution of seed packets to encourage flower planting. Unfortunately, the initiative faced backlash when it was discovered that some of the seeds included were considered invasive or banned in certain states.
As consumers strive for better health, including the recommended calcium citrate dosage in their diets, the impact of honey and its nutritional benefits continues to grow. With honey being utilized in various products, its role remains vital not only for its sweetness but also for the essential nutrients it provides, highlighting the importance of protecting bee populations to sustain this valuable resource.