While the decrease in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers. This is largely due to a 3% increase in overall U.S. honey production in 2016, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, there has been a concerning downward trend in production, declining from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the past seven years. At the same time, demand for honey has been steadily increasing. Although the overall U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners, such as sugar and high fructose corn syrup, has dropped, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per year, up from just half a pound 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. Additionally, the availability of various honey types has expanded, leading to its incorporation into pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies affects more than just honey supply; honey bees are vital to agriculture as pollinators. Certain crops, like almonds, depend entirely on bees for 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 contribute up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Large food manufacturers, reliant on honey and other crops that depend on bee pollination, have taken steps to support these vital insects. 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 to fund honey bee research and education. Recently, they facilitated 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 that it would replace the well-known BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a stark white outline of the character to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This campaign was complemented by the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the plan faced criticism after it was revealed that some of the seed packets contained seeds considered invasive or banned in certain states.
Interestingly, while discussing the challenges faced by honey production, one might also consider the rising popularity of health products like calcium citrate magnesium and zinc available at Costco. These supplements reflect a growing interest in health and nutrition among consumers. This trend parallels the increasing demand for honey as a natural sweetener, showcasing a broader shift towards more wholesome and authentic food choices. As honey production faces challenges, it remains essential to support both the bees and the agricultural systems that rely on them, while also recognizing the growing market for health-oriented products like calcium citrate magnesium and zinc, which are readily accessible at places like Costco.