Report

Global industrial sugar market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 50.1 billion in 2023 to USD 69.09 billion in 2031. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years.
Factors such as expanding demand for confectionery products, growth in the retail market, and product portfolio are propelling the global demand for the industrial sugar market. The major reasons for the expansion of the market are an increase in population, a rise in the demand for processed foods and beverages, changing consumer lifestyles and preferences, globalization of food markets, technological advancements, an increase in disposable income, and bio-fuel production.
As the population grows, the demand for food and beverage products is expected to rise manifold. Sugar, being a key ingredient in most processed foods and beverages for added sweetness and flavor enhancement, contributes to the overall growth of the industrial sugar market.
Moreover, advances in technology, including improvements in sugar extraction and refining processes, can enhance the efficiency of industrial sugar production, making it more cost-effective. The growth of retail markets, especially in emerging economies, provides new opportunities for food and beverage products, thereby driving the demand for industrial sugar.
For instance, American Sugar Refining, Inc, and Raizen partnered in August 2022, to cater to the demand for more sustainable and transparent raw cane sugar for industrial use globally. ASR Group and Raizen together developed a series of unique processes and technological and infrastructure solutions to put a track on raw cane sugar being sourced from their farms and bioenergy parks. Here, the sugarcane is milled to produce raw sugar and biofuels and is segregated into the final raw sugar to a port terminal facility for export. Ensuring 100 percent non-genetically modified status, Raizen confirms that raw cane sugar can meet the highest ethics and environmental standards globally.
Rise in Population Leading to Expansion of the Market
The increase in global population creates a larger and more diverse consumer base. The industrial sugar market benefits from the increased demand for food and beverages as sugar is a fundamental ingredient in many processed and sweetened products consumed by a growing global population, thereby boosting the growth of the industrial sugar market.
Sugar is used in everything as a sweetener and is a vital intermediate good for most industries. As the population rises, the demand for the products of other industries rises, which in turn, leads to a boost in the demand for industrial sugar, thereby, contributing to the overall growth of the industrial sugar industry.
The production of sugar is increasing in all the regions every year, globally. United States Department of Agriculture analyzed that for the year 2023-24, global production of sugar is estimated 8.2 million tons year-over-year to 183.5 million with higher production for India and Brazil. Production in the United States has been anticipated to be at 8.4 million tons.
Use of Sugar in Bio-fuel Production Propel the Growth of the Market
The use of sugar, particularly in the form of ethanol, for biofuel production is a significant factor influencing the industrial sugar market. The practice is primarily driven by the goal of producing renewable and cleaner energy sources.
Sugar, particularly from sugarcane and sugar beet, can be fermented to produce ethanol. Ethanol is a biofuel that is commonly blended with gasoline to create ethanol-gasoline blends and further produce electricity. The industrial sugar market benefits from the demand for sugars specifically cultivated for biofuel production. Many countries have implemented renewable energy mandates and policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The use of sugar for ethanol production aligns with these goals, driving the demand for industrial sugar as a feedstock for biofuel.
For instance, mandates have been put by the US government for the consumption of renewable energy. In accordance with Section 203 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. � 15852), the federal government must at least consume 7.5% of its total electricity from renewable sources each fiscal year referred to as the renewable electricity requirement.
The demand for sugar in biofuel production adds a layer of diversification to the industrial sugar market. Sugar producers and suppliers may find additional markets for their products beyond traditional food and beverage applications.
Innovation in Product and Packaging of Industrial Sugar Fuel the Market
The continuous innovation of the product and evolution in the packaging is helping the companies reposition their brand and products. Brands are innovating the formulations of industries, easing the jobs for consumers and enhancing their experiences. Apart from it, the manufacturers are making sure that the packaging is renewable, recyclable, and environment friendly. It is another factor, which helps the companies in attracting the consumers towards their products over others available in the market, since the consumers feel that by buying the same product with a sustainable packaging, they contribute their bit towards the conservation of the environment.
For instance, in April 2023, American Sugar Refining, Inc. innovated a new packaging for its granulated sugar. It launched pure cane granulated sugar in a baking tub, making it convenient for bakers to scoop and level the sugar directly in the container. Moreover, these tubs can be refilled with the help of Domino Sugar or C&H Sugar bags. The tub is designed in a way that it can stack easily in the pantry. As a sustainable option, it uses 28 percent less plastic than the previous canister design, leading to a reduction in transportation by 65%.
Sugar Beet as a Source to Produce Industrial Sugar
According to United States Department of Agriculture, European Union's beet sugar production for year 2023-24 is forecasted at 15.5 million tons which is approximately 1.4 million hectares of sugar beets before. It will account for a rise in production of 3 percent as compared to 2022-23. The forecast was made, despite 6 percent fall of beet acreage in France. In past 5 years, France had 28 percent of EU's total sugar beet area on average for harvest. Whereas the minimized beet acreage in France is forecasted to have been balanced by an increase in the plantation, mainly in Poland by 19 percent, and to some extent in Spain, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary.
For instance, American Crystal Sugar Company entered into an agreement with RealmFive, a technology solutions provider, to provide automation for sugar beet production with industrial sugar market leader. In winters of 2023, American Crystal Sugar and RealmFive decided to work together for developing an automation with the aim to solve the problem of severe labor shortage challenges in the sugar beet industry. The deliverables of the agreement include the enhancement of efficiencies in the handling and storage of sugar beets by providing labor-saving automation at the sites of piling.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
With the evolution of the market, the industrial sugar producing companies are constantly innovating their products to cater to the dynamic needs of their consumers. They are bringing diversified forms, making the packaging more attractive to new and existing consumers and expanding the product line through constant innovations. In future, strict government laws implementation is anticipated to ensure the standard quality maintenance of the industrial sugar globally.
For instance, American Crystal Sugar was fined for the violation of water quality at the Crookston facility for USD 14,150 and East Grand Forks facility for USD 11,685. As per Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement's survey, American Crystal Sugar had been found violating industrial wastewater regulations in 2022 at its Crookston and East Grand Forks facilities which adversely impacted the Red River of the North and Red Lake River following which it had to pay a penalty.
Thus, to ensure a stable position in the market, companies have to follow the standards set by the respective governments to produce good quality industrial sugar for their consumers.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Companies in the industrial sugar market may expand their product portfolios to meet diverse consumer demands, creating new opportunities for sugar consumption in different applications. United States Sugar Savannah Refinery LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of United States Sugar Corporation, completed the purchase of Imperial Sugar Co., in December 2022, from the Louis Dreyfus Co. The merger was aimed to increase the reliability and competitiveness of the businesses of both the companies with the presence of United States Sugar Corp. in cane sugar growing, milling, and refining.
In August 2022, ASR Group's brand, Domino Sugar launched a fresh packaging for its single serving premium pure cane sugar packet. It will help the brand in repositioning the same product again in the market for future. The brand-new packaging is designed with an updated logo and an iconic yellow color to deliver quality and consistency to foodservice operators and other customers.