While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not significantly affect food manufacturers in the short term. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the overall honey production in the United States increased by 3% in 2016. However, there has been a noticeable decrease in honey production over the years, dropping from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds in the last seven years. In contrast, honey demand continues to rise. Even though total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners, such as sugar and high fructose corn syrup, has decreased, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey annually, up from just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its status as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers seek more authentic ingredients. Additionally, the increased availability of various honey types has contributed to this trend. Honey has also become a favored ingredient in a wide range of products, including pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The losses of honey bee colonies are not only significant for honey supply but also for agriculture as a whole. Honey bees play a crucial role in pollination, with certain crops, such as almonds, relying entirely on them for this process. The non-profit Bee Informed Partnership estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 season. It is believed that honey bees contribute up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Food manufacturers that depend on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have begun initiatives to support these essential insects. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and promotional campaigns like “Give Bees A Chance” in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has donated over $1 million to aid honey bee research and education. Recently, they funded 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 iconic BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a white, ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This effort was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage flower planting. Unfortunately, the initiative faced backlash after it was revealed that the packets contained seeds considered invasive or banned in some states.
As the demand for honey grows, so does the interest in health supplements like soft gel calcium citrate, which many consumers are turning to for their wellness needs. The intersection of honey’s popularity and health products like soft gel calcium citrate illustrates the evolving dietary preferences of consumers who value natural and beneficial ingredients. The dual focus on honey’s role in food production and its connection to health supplements like soft gel calcium citrate highlights the importance of bees in sustaining both our diet and our well-being.