The decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy; however, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overall honey production in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2016. Nonetheless, there has been a noticeable decrease in production over the years, dropping from about 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds in the past seven years. Simultaneously, honey demand has been consistently rising. Despite a decrease in the total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey annually, compared to just half a pound per individual in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its status as a pure, natural sweetener during a time when consumers are seeking more authentic ingredients, along with the increased availability of various honey types. Honey has also gained traction as a popular ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The loss of honey bee colonies is significant not only for honey supply but also for agriculture as a whole, as honey bees play a crucial role in pollination. Certain crops, such as almonds, depend entirely on bees for their pollination. The not-for-profit Bee Informed Partnership estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-2016 period. Honey bees are believed to contribute up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production.
Large food manufacturers, who rely on honey and other crops that bees pollinate, have taken steps to support these vital insects. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has donated over $1 million to support honey bee research and education, and it recently funded the establishment of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been well-received. Cereal maker General Mills recently announced a plan to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a white, ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This effort was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the plan faced criticism when the seed packets included seeds considered invasive or banned in certain states.
In addressing the nutritional aspects of honey and its alternatives, some manufacturers have also highlighted the benefits of including ingredients like zinc in their products. For instance, Kirkland offers options that are fortified with zinc, emphasizing the importance of minerals in a balanced diet. As the food industry adapts to these changes, the interplay between honey production, agricultural reliance on pollinators, and consumer preferences for authentic ingredients continues to evolve.