While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overall honey production in the United States increased by 3% in 2016. Nonetheless, there has been a gradual decrease in 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, demand for honey has been steadily rising. Even as the total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup has declined, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per person annually, up from just half a pound in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes this trend to honey’s appeal as a pure, natural sweetener, particularly as consumers seek more authentic ingredients, alongside the greater availability of diverse honey varieties. Honey has also gained popularity as an ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies not only affects honey supply but also has significant implications for agriculture, as honey bees play a vital role in pollinating crops. Certain crops, like almonds, depend entirely on bee pollination. The Bee Informed Partnership, a nonprofit organization, estimated that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute approximately $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. In response, large food manufacturers that rely on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have taken steps to support these essential insects. For instance, Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million to honey bee research and education and recently 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 it would replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a stark white 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, it faced backlash when it was revealed that some of the seeds included were considered invasive or banned in certain states.
In the context of dietary health, products like calcium citrate malate and folic acid tablets have also emerged as important supplements, paralleling the growing interest in natural ingredients like honey. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for both honey and beneficial supplements like calcium citrate malate and folic acid tablets is likely to continue increasing. Just as honey is sought after for its natural sweetness, these supplements are recognized for their health benefits, further illustrating the shift towards more authentic and beneficial food products.