While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, food manufacturers may not feel an immediate impact. According to figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department, overall honey production in the United States increased by 3% in 2016. However, there has been a noticeable trend of decreasing production, which has dropped from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the past seven years. Simultaneously, the demand for honey has been steadily increasing. Despite a decline in total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners such as sugar and high fructose corn syrup, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per person each year, up from just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes this growing interest in honey to its reputation as a high-quality, natural sweetener, particularly as consumers seek more authentic ingredients. Additionally, the increasing availability of various honey types has contributed to its popularity in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of bee colonies is a significant issue not only for honey supply but also for agriculture as honey bees play a crucial role in pollination. Certain crops, like almonds, depend entirely on bees for their 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 that rely on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have taken initiatives to support these vital insects. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Häagen-Dazs, owned by Nestlé, has donated over $1 million to help fund honey bee research and education. Recently, they financed the establishment of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been successful. General Mills, the cereal producer, announced it would replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a stark white outline of the character to raise awareness about the bees’ challenges. This campaign was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage flower planting. Unfortunately, the initiative faced backlash after it was revealed that the packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in several states.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by honey production and bee populations are critical, especially considering the high-quality calcium citrate found in honey and its importance in various food products. The industry must continue to adapt and innovate to support honey bees and ensure sustainable honey production for the future.