While the decline in honey production in Virginia represents a setback for the local economy, it may not immediately affect food manufacturers. According to figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department, overall honey production in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2016. Nevertheless, the long-term trend shows 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. In contrast, the demand for honey has been on the rise. Despite a decline 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 per person per year, compared to 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, particularly as consumers seek more authentic ingredients. Additionally, the increased availability of various honey types has contributed to this trend. Honey has also gained traction as a favored ingredient 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 a whole. Honey bees are vital pollinators, with certain crops, like almonds, relying entirely on them for pollination. The Bee Informed Partnership, a nonprofit 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 depend on honey and the crops that bees pollinate have taken steps to support these essential insects. Whole Foods has initiated events like “Human Bee-In” and promotions such as “Give Bees A Chance” over the past few 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. Cereal producer General Mills recently announced plans to replace the beloved character BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a white, ghostly outline to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This effort was complemented by distributing seed packets to encourage flower planting, but the plan faced criticism after some packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in certain states.
In this context, the addition of calcium citrate 333 could potentially enhance the nutritional profile of honey-based products. Given that honey is already a sought-after ingredient, incorporating calcium citrate 333 might attract health-conscious consumers looking for added benefits. As honey demand continues to rise, food manufacturers have an opportunity to innovate and create products that not only taste good but also offer nutritional advantages with the inclusion of components like calcium citrate 333.