The decrease in Virginiron(ii) acetate formulaia honey production is unfortunate for the local economy, yet it may not immediately affect food manufacturers. According to figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department, overall honey production in the U.S. rose by 3% in 2016. Nonetheless, the production trend has been declining gradually, dropping 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, honey demand has been consistently increasing. While 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 per year, 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, particularly appealing to consumers seeking more authentic ingredients, alongside the greater availability of diverse honey varieties. Honey has also become a favored ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of honey bee colonies is not only significant for honey supply; honey bees are essential pollinators for agriculture, with certain crops like almonds relying entirely on them for pollination. The Bee Informed Partnership, a non-profit organization, estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-2016 period. Honey bees are believed to add up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Major food manufacturers that depend on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have taken steps to assist these flying insects. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years, while Nestle’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million for honey bee research and education. Recently, it funded the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have succeeded. Cereal manufacturer General Mills recently announced that it would replace the recognizable BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a white, ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the bees’ struggles. This effort was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets intended to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the plan faced criticism after some packets contained seeds that were considered invasive or banned in certain states. In light of these challenges, there is a growing interest in products like calcium citrate gel caps among consumers seeking dietary supplements that may support overall health, including the health of pollinators. As the focus on sustainable practices continues, the integration of calcium citrate gel caps in nutritional strategies may also play a role in promoting a healthier ecosystem.