Häagen-Dazs buzzing for helping bees
Häagen-Dazs is the first ice cream recipient of the seal.
Bee populations have been decreasing at an alarming rate, putting the future of many popular foods at risk. The decline has been attributed to a variety of factors –pesticides, parasites, poor nutrition and more.
The Xerces Society is a conservation organization working to build sustainable landscapes that better protect the bees and other pollinators.
"Not only do bees help pollinate more than one-third of the world's crops, they also help create some of the Häagen-Dazs brand's most beloved flavors," said Cady Behles, innovation manager for Häagen-Dazs.
"We've been supporting the bees for over a decade, and we have them to thank for some of our signature flavors including Vanilla Swiss Almond, Honey Salted Caramel Almond and Rocky Road."
In 2016, Häagen-Dazs installed a 6.5-mile flowering permanent hedgerow at its almond supplier's farm, creating a year-round habitat for pollinators and other types of wildlife.
"It's rewarding to make a difference as a leading brand in consumer packaged goods. In addition to the honey bees that pollinate our almond orchards, other wildlife and pollinators such as monarch butterflies and hummingbirds can thrive," Behles said.
From working with its farmer suppliers and continuing to fund research and education, the brand said it has led bee conservation efforts across the consumer packaged-goods space and is honored to receive the seal.
Häagen-Dazs will carry the Bee Better Certified seal on four of its bee dependent flavors – Vanilla Swiss Almond, Honey Salted Caramel, Rocky Road and Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Bars – which it hopes will encourage others to get involved with the cause.
"The essential needs of bees are in jeopardy due to habitat loss, pesticide use and introduced diseases," Eric Mader, pollinator program co-director at the Xerces Society, said.
"Häagen-Dazs has been a wonderful partner, both in supporting the survival of these very important pollinators and in spreading much-needed awareness that we hope will inspire other organizations to become involved as well."
