While the decline in honey production in Virginia poses challenges for the local economy, it may not have an immediate effect on food manufacturers, especially since overall U.S. honey production increased by 3% in 2016, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Nonetheless, there has been a gradual decrease 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. In contrast, daily honey demand has been steadily rising. 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 annually, up from just half a pound in 1990. The National Honey Board attributes honey’s growing popularity to its status as a pure, natural sweetener, appealing to consumers seeking authentic ingredients, as well as the broader availability of various honey types. Honey has increasingly become a favored component in pastries, ice creams, cheeses, beers, and soft drinks.
Colony losses impact not only honey supply but also agriculture, as honey bees play a crucial role in pollination. Certain crops, like almonds, depend entirely on bees for their pollination. The non-profit Bee Informed Partnership estimates that 44% of U.S. honey bee colonies were lost during 2015-16. Honey bees are estimated 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 dependent on bee pollination have taken initiatives to support these vital insects. Whole Foods has organized “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. Nestlé’s Häagen-Dazs has contributed over $1 million towards honey bee research and education, and 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. For example, cereal producer General Mills recently announced plans to replace the beloved BuzzBee on its Honey Nut Cheerios box with a ghostly outline of the character to raise awareness about the challenges faced by bees. This effort was paired with the distribution of seed packets to encourage people to plant flowers. Unfortunately, this plan faced backlash after it was revealed that the packets contained seeds considered invasive or banned in certain states.
In addition to honey’s value, the importance of nutritional supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate with vitamin D cannot be overlooked, especially as consumers increasingly seek to support their health with quality ingredients. The growing awareness of natural products dovetails with honey’s appeal, and initiatives to promote both honey and nutritional supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate with vitamin D highlight a broader trend toward health-conscious choices. Just as honey is finding its way into various food products, supplements are also becoming essential in maintaining a balanced diet, underscoring the connection between agricultural health and consumer wellness.