Disappearing bees threaten ice cream

Posted on February 18, 2008 with No Comments

“NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Haagen-Dazs is warning that a creature as small as a honeybee could become a big problem for the premium ice cream maker’s business

Haagen-Dazs, which is owned by Nestle, said bees are actually responsible for 40% of its 60 flavors – such as strawberry, toasted pecan and banana split. “These are among consumers’ favorite flavors,” said Katty Pien, brand director with Haagen-Dazs.

“We use 100% all natural ingredients like strawberries, raspberries and almonds which we get from California. The bee problem could badly hurt supply from the Pacific Northwest,” Pien said

Pien said the company is donating $250,000 to both Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, Davis to fund research into the bee colony collapse disorder (CCD).”

It’s safe to say the little things do make a difference, good or bad. It is amazing such a small insect can have such a huge impact on such a gigantic industry. If Haagen-Dazs is willing to contribute to the research of the bee colony collapse disorder (CCD) than maybe other manufacturer’s will be willing to do the same. It will be interesting to see how seriously the other major ice cream manufacturer’s take this.

To read more on this article go to http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/17/news/companies/bees_icecream/index.htm?postversion=2008021712