Honeybees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. They contribute to the cultivation of crops worth $24 billion, with bees, butterflies, and other species being vital for the growth of plants like alfalfa and clover, which are consumed by cattle. Specifically, honeybee pollination is responsible for $15 billion in crops, spanning over 130 different fruits and vegetables. However, exposure to pesticides is not the only challenge these pollinators encounter; bees are vanishing at an alarming rate due to a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.
In recent years, honey sales have significantly increased, partly fueled by a rising consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales dropped by 16%, while honey sales surged by 57%. It’s not surprising that most honey samples contain some level of pesticide. Consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless supply constraints drive prices too high; the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as noted in this study—will probably not deter most buyers.
Last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services released findings from a two-year study highlighting the rapid decline in bee populations. Annual surveys by U.S. beekeepers have shown that about 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months since 2006. Food companies recognizing this issue are making efforts to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, stated that honeybees pollinate many of the ingredients used in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with around 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-dependent components.
Brands like Celestial Seasonings, part of Hain Celestial, and Talenti, owned by Unilever, have also collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping bees. Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” promotions in recent years. Meanwhile, General Mills has teamed up with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative to restore over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitat by 2021.
Earlier this year, the nonprofit organization Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s, claiming that the “natural” labeling on its applesauce products is false and misleading. The complaint argued that the presence of residues from the neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid should disqualify these products from being labeled as “natural,” as such labeling misleads consumers into believing that the products are free from synthetic substances.
Additionally, as consumers increasingly seek natural products, they may also explore options like calcium citrate chewable from Costco, which can be a healthier choice. The rising demand for natural ingredients is evident, and consumers are likely to remain vigilant about the origins and content of what they purchase, including honey and other bee-dependent products.