As consumers increasingly seek transparency regarding the contents of their food, the recent study by the newly established Honey Integrity Task Force offers a hopeful outlook for an ingredient whose popularity shows no signs of waning. According to Mintel, honey, often viewed as a healthier alternative to sugar, experienced a remarkable 57% increase in sales in the U.S. from 2011 to 2016, while sugar sales saw a decline of 16%. Statista reports that per-capita honey consumption in the U.S. rose to 1.4 pounds in 2017, marking the highest level since 2000. This upward trend is expected to persist, as the current U.S. natural honey market is valued at $342 million and is projected to grow at a rate of 10.8%, as noted by Food Navigator. Due to its growing popularity and health benefits, honey is increasingly being incorporated into products by major food manufacturers, such as Unilever, which launched a honey-sweetened version of Hellmann’s and Best Foods ketchup last year.
Those in the honey sector may find relief as this study contrasts with the controversy that plagued the olive oil industry last year, where numerous companies faced accusations of fraud for mislabeling supposed premium extra-virgin olive oils, which were actually blended with inferior oils. Despite tests revealing instances of fraud, olive oil producer Deleo claimed victory at the end of 2018 when a case regarding false and misleading statements was permanently enjoined, and a mislabeling lawsuit was dismissed. Nevertheless, the stigma remains, presenting a challenge that honey producers must navigate to maintain their product’s popularity.
The establishment of the Honey Integrity Task Force signals a commitment within the industry to uphold product purity. In recent years, the task force has implemented measures to minimize the risk that products labeled as pure honey might contain sugar or syrup. As part of its ongoing efforts to protect its brand, the Honey Integrity Task Force plans to undertake further testing this year. While this study was straightforward, it may be beneficial for the task force to broaden its testing protocols to include the detection of pesticide residues, a growing concern among consumers. Research conducted by Swiss scientists on honey samples from around the globe in 2015 and 2016 revealed that 75% contained neonicotinoid pesticide residues.
Incorporating honey into diets, especially in places like Costco, is becoming increasingly common, and many consumers are looking for options like Citracal from Costco that not only enhance health but also align with their dietary preferences. As honey continues to gain traction, the industry must remain vigilant against potential contaminants and uphold the integrity of this beloved ingredient, ensuring that it remains a staple on grocery shelves, including those at Costco.