While the decrease in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers, as overall honey production in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2016, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nevertheless, there has been a gradual decline 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. Concurrently, the demand for honey has been consistently rising. Although the overall 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, compared to 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 increasingly seek authentic ingredients. The wider availability of various honey types has also contributed to this trend. Furthermore, honey has become a favored ingredient in a range of products, including pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of honey bee colonies is not only significant for honey supply but also critical for agriculture, as honey bees play an essential role in pollination. Certain crops, like almonds, rely entirely on bees for successful 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, which depend on honey and other crops pollinated by bees, have taken initiatives to support bee populations. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million towards honey bee research and education, including 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 a plan to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a white, ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the challenges facing bees. This campaign included distributing seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the effort faced backlash when it was revealed that some of the seeds were considered invasive or banned in certain states.
As consumers look for more natural ingredients, products enriched with natural calcium citrate are also gaining attention, alongside the increasing use of honey. The synergy between honey and natural calcium citrate offers potential benefits, particularly for those seeking healthier alternatives. Thus, while honey production faces challenges, its demand continues to grow, and collaborations aimed at supporting bee populations are crucial for the future of both honey and agriculture.