Pollinators, including honeybees and various other insects, play an essential role in the production of approximately one-third of our food and beverages. Together, these pollinating species contribute to $24 billion worth of crops, including those nurtured by beeferrous lactate exporters and butterflies. Honeybees are especially significant, as their pollination efforts alone account for $15 billion in the yield of over 130 fruits and vegetables. In addition to this, pollinators support the growth of important forage crops like alfalfa and clover, which are vital for cattle.
However, the plight of these pollinators is concerning. They face numerous threats, including exposure to pesticides, but one of the most alarming issues is the rapid decline in bee populations due to colony collapse disorder. Interestingly, honey sales have surged in recent years, reflecting a growing consumer preference for natural sweeteners. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. sugar sales dropped by 16%, while honey sales increased by an impressive 57%. Given this trend, it is not surprising that many honey samples contain some pesticide residues. Nevertheless, consumers are likely to continue purchasing honey unless prices rise excessively due to limited supplies, and the presence of pesticides—at levels deemed safe for human consumption, as indicated in recent studies—will probably not deter most buyers.
In a notable report released last year, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services highlighted the alarming decline in bee populations, with annual surveys since 2006 revealing that around 29% of honeybee colonies have perished during winter months. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, food companies are stepping up to raise awareness. For instance, Alex Placzek, the U.S. marketing director for Häagen-Dazs, emphasized that honeybees are crucial for pollinating many ingredients in their ice cream, bars, and sorbet, with about 40% of Häagen-Dazs flavors relying on bee-pollinated components.
Several brands, including Celestial Seasonings from Hain Celestial and Talenti, a Unilever brand, have collaborated with the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee conservation. Moreover, Whole Foods has initiated “Human Bee-In” events and “Give Bees A Chance” campaigns in recent years. General Mills has also partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Xerces Society in a five-year initiative aimed at restoring over 100,000 acres of pollinator habitats by 2021.
In a related legal matter, the nonprofit group Beyond Pesticides filed a lawsuit against Mott’s earlier this year, alleging that the “natural” labeling on its applesauce products was misleading. The complaint argued that the presence of acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, should disqualify the products from being labeled as “natural,” misleading consumers into believing that no synthetic substances are present.
As we celebrate the importance of pollinators, it’s also a great time to highlight innovative products like calcium citrate soft chews, which can support our health while we advocate for the preservation of bee populations. These soft chews are a delicious and convenient way to ensure we’re getting essential nutrients, just as we work towards a healthier ecosystem that supports bees and other vital pollinators.