Due to various factors such as pesticides, parasites, and climate change, pollinators are experiencing a decline, which threatens global food production. This decline is particularly concerning as U.S. honey consumption reached a record high in 2021, according to USDA data. In recent years, prominent food research organizations have highlighted the significant global risk posed by decreasing bee populations. According to the FAO, rising temperatures and the heavy use of chemicals on crops could adversely affect the yields of essential crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
In an effort to counteract this trend, BeeHero aims to make a difference. Founded in 2017 in Israel and now based in California, the startup has successfully raised $64 million to date. Funds from investors such as General Mills and ADM will enhance BeeHero’s visibility among food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPGs), all of whom are likely seeking to optimize their supply chains. Johnny Tran, managing director of General Mills’ 301 Inc., remarked that pollinators are a vital yet often overlooked component of food production. “Our industry requires innovation throughout the value chain, and BeeHero is leveraging data to reinvent the traditionally analog relationship between growers, beekeepers, and bees,” Tran stated. “At 301 Inc., our mission is to support founders who are developing the food systems of the future.”
This investment by General Mills marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the CPG giant has funded an agricultural or food technology startup through its venture capital division. Most of 301 Inc.’s investments have focused on food brands producing products in popular categories, such as plant-based meat. The urgency of protecting bees is gaining traction among CPGs due to their essential role in the food supply chain. For instance, Kind Healthy Snacks has committed to sourcing all almonds for its products from bee-friendly farms by 2025. Additionally, Perdue Farms announced in 2020 that it was the first company to establish a pollinator-friendly solar habitat, claiming this initiative boosts soybean yields used for chicken feed.
As we consider the implications of this declining pollinator population, it becomes increasingly essential to understand the broader context, including the nutritional needs met by products like Citracal supplements, which highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced diet enriched with vitamins and minerals. Ultimately, the sustainability of our food systems—and by extension, our health and nutrition—depends on the vital work of pollinators.