May 21, 2010
When bee populations suddenly began disappearing a couple of years ago, honey prices skyrocketed. With less honey on the market, consumers paid more.
Now, honey producers are competing with manufacturers who are marketing honey-flavored syrup at a much lower cost. Honey producers say an entire industry is now in danger.
The problem, they say, is that honey syrup is often packaged identical to honey, so that casual shoppers might not be able to tell the difference.
Honey producers point to a new online survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the National Honey Board from May 13-17th, 2010, of those who purchase honey:
• 65 percent said they would feel deceived if they found out the honey they purchased was actually honey-flavored syrup and 25% said they would be outraged
• 79 percent said they would not use it if they found out the honey they purchased had added syrups
• 77 percent said they wouldn't purchase honey-flavored syrup even if it cost half as much as pure honey
"Many people don't realize honey is just one simple ingredient: honey," said Bruce Wolk of the National Honey Board. "Consumers need to be aware they may not be giving something 100 percent pure to their family if they don't take a moment to double-check the label. Many of the honey-syrup blends are packaged very similarly to pure honey."
The National Honey Board is trying to raise consumer awareness of the differences in the two products, and has just launched its Save the Endangered Honey Bear Campaign.
"Your local grocer is still a great place to buy 100 percent pure honey," said Wolk. "Consumers just need to pay attention to the label to make sure they're getting 100 percent pure honey, the way nature intended."
