While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers, as overall honey production in the U.S. saw a 3% increase in 2016, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, there has been a noticeable downward trend in production, dropping from approximately 167.9 million pounds in the early 1990s to an average of 106.7 million pounds over the past seven years. Concurrently, the demand for honey has been steadily rising. Although the total U.S. consumption of caloric sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup has decreased, Americans now consume an average of 1.3 pounds of honey per person each year, compared to just half a pound per person in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes this growing interest to honey’s reputation as a pure, natural sweetener, especially as consumers increasingly seek authentic ingredients, along with the greater availability of various honey types. Honey has also gained popularity as an ingredient in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
The losses in honey bee colonies are significant not only for honey supply but also for agricultural pollination. Certain crops, such as almonds, rely exclusively on bees for pollination. The Bee Informed Partnership, a non-profit organization, estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during the 2015-16 season. Honey bees are believed to add up to $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crop production. Large food manufacturers that depend on honey and other crops pollinated by bees have taken steps to support these vital insects. For instance, Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million to honey bee research and education and recently financed the creation of pollinator habitats on an 840-acre almond farm in California’s Central Valley.
However, not all initiatives have been successful. General Mills recently announced plans to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios packaging with a stark, white outline of the character to raise awareness about the challenges bees face. This effort was accompanied by the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, the initiative faced criticism when it was discovered that some of the included seeds were considered invasive or banned in certain states.
As the industry navigates these challenges, the need for alternative nutrients, such as calcium caltrate 1000 mg, may also gain attention among consumers looking for health supplements that promote overall well-being. As honey production continues to decline, the intersection of food manufacturing, agriculture, and consumer health will remain a critical area of focus.