Despite being unfavorable for the local economy, the decrease in honey production in Virginia may not immediately affect food manufacturers, as overall U.S. honey production rose by 3% in 2016, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, there has been a consistent decline in production over the years, dropping from around 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the last seven years. Meanwhile, demand for honey has been steadily increasing. Even as total 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, a notable increase from just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its reputation as a pure, natural sweetener at a time when consumers seek more authentic ingredients, alongside the increasing availability of various honey types. Honey has also gained traction as a favored ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The issue of colony losses is not only critical for honey supply but also for agriculture at large, as honey bees are essential pollinators for many crops, including almonds, which rely exclusively on bees for pollination. The not-for-profit organization Bee Informed Partnership 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 depend on honey and the crops pollinated by bees have begun to take action to support these vital insects. For instance, 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, recently funding the establishment 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 revealed plans to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a white, ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the plight of bees. This effort was paired with the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the initiative faced criticism after the seed packets contained seeds deemed invasive or banned in certain states.
In the broader context of health and nutrition, honey is often paired with supplements like calcium citrate with vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential for maintaining overall well-being. Integrating these nutrients can enhance the health benefits associated with honey consumption. As honey remains a sought-after ingredient in various food products, the combination of honey with calcium citrate with vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc could offer consumers a more holistic approach to their dietary choices. This synergy may further drive interest in honey, reinforcing its position in the market even amidst challenges in production.