Sugar industry: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
intro tweak
No edit summary
 
(7 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
The '''sugar industry''' subsumes the production, [[Sugar refinery|processing]] and marketing of [[sugars]] (mostly [[sucrose]] and [[fructose]]). Globally, most sugar is extracted from [[sugar cane]] (~80% predominantly in the [[tropics]]) and [[sugar beet]] (~ 20%, mostly in [[temperate climate]], like in the U.S. or Europe).
The '''sugar industry''' subsumes the production, [[Sugar refinery|processing]] and marketing of [[sugars]] (mostly [[sucrose]] and [[fructose]]). Globally, most sugar is extracted from [[sugar cane]] (~80% predominantly in the [[tropics]]) and [[sugar beet]] (~ 20%, mostly in [[temperate climate]], like in the U.S. or Europe).


[[File:TRUCKLOADS OF SUGAR BEETS WILL BE PROCESSED AT THE HOLLY SUGAR CORPORATION PLANT NEAR BRAWLEY IN THE IMPERIAL VALLEY - NARA - 548983.jpg|thumb|Sugar beets awaiting processing at the [[Imperial Sugar|Holly Sugar Corporation]] plant near [[Brawley, California]]. <small>Photograph by Environmental Protection Agency. (12/02/1970)</small>]]
[[File:TRUCKLOADS OF SUGAR BEETS WILL BE PROCESSED AT THE HOLLY SUGAR CORPORATION PLANT NEAR BRAWLEY IN THE IMPERIAL VALLEY - NARA - 548983.jpg|thumb|Sugar beets awaiting processing at the [[Imperial Sugar|Holly Sugar Corporation]] plant near [[Brawley, California]] in 1970]]


Sugar is used for [[soft drink]]s, [[sweetened beverage]]s, [[convenience food]]s, [[fast food]], [[candy]], [[confectionery]], [[baking industry|baked products]], and other sweetened foods. Sugarcane is used in the distillation of [[rum]].
Sugar is used for [[soft drink]]s, [[sweetened beverage]]s, [[convenience food]]s, [[fast food]], [[candy]], [[confectionery]], [[baking industry|baked products]], and other sweetened foods. Sugarcane is used in the distillation of [[rum]].


⚫
Several countries [[Subsidy|subsidize]] sugar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resolution In US House Against Subsidies On Sugar By Countries Including India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/resolution-in-us-house-against-subsidies-on-sugar-by-countries-including-india-3748754 |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Globally in 2018, around 185 million [[ton]]s of sugar was produced, led by India with 35.9 million tons, followed by Brazil and [[Thailand]].<ref name="usda">{{cite web |title=Sugar: World Markets and Trade |url=https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/sugar.pdf |publisher=Foreign Agricultural Service, US Department of Agriculture |access-date=24 March 2019 |date=20 November 2018}}</ref> There are more than 123 sugar-producing countries, but only 30% of the produce is traded on the international market.
Sugar subsidies have driven market costs for sugar well below the cost of production. As of 2018, 3/4 of world sugar production was not traded on the open market. The global market for [[sugar]] and [[sweetener]]s was some $77.5 billion in 2012, with sugar comprising an almost 85% share, growing at a [[compound annual growth rate]] of 4.6%.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 April 2013|title=Global Sugar, Sweeteners Market to Hit $97 Billion by 2017|url=http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/news/2013/04/global-sugar-sweeteners-market-to-hit-97-billion.aspx|url-status=live|publisher=Natural Products Insider}}</ref>

⚫
Globally in 2018, around 185 million [[ton]]s of sugar was produced, led by India with 35.9 million tons, followed by Brazil and [[Thailand]].<ref name="usda">{{cite web |title=Sugar: World Markets and Trade |url=https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/sugar.pdf |publisher=Foreign Agricultural Service, US Department of Agriculture |access-date=24 March 2019 |date=20 November 2018}}</ref> There are more than 123 sugar-producing countries, but only 30% of the produce is traded on the international market.


==Market==
==Market==
Sugar subsidies have driven market costs for sugar well below the cost of production. As of 2018, 3/4 of world sugar production is never traded on the open market. Brazil controls half the global market, paying the most ($2.5 billion per year) in subsidies to its sugar industry.<ref name="WT">{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Judson|date=16 March 2018|title=Sugar, steel subsidies are anything but sweet|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/16/steel-sugar-subsidies-hinder-free-trade/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=[[The Washington Times]]}}</ref>
Sugar subsidies have driven market costs for sugar well below the cost of production. As of 2019, 3/4 of world sugar production is never traded on the open market. Brazil controls half the global market, paying the most ($2.5 billion per year) in subsidies to its sugar industry.<ref name="WT">{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Judson|date=16 March 2018|title=Sugar, steel subsidies are anything but sweet|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/16/steel-sugar-subsidies-hinder-free-trade/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=[[The Washington Times]]}}</ref>


The US sugar system is complex, using [[price support]]s, [[marketing allotment|domestic marketing allotments]], and [[tariffs|tariff]]-rate [[Import quota|quotas]].<ref name=USDA>{{cite web|url=https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/sugar-sweeteners/policy.aspx|publisher=US Department of Agriculture|title=Sugar and sweeteners: Policy|date=20 August 2019|access-date=22 November 2019}}</ref> It directly supports sugar processors rather than farmers growing sugar crops.<ref name=USDA/><ref name=WT/> The US government also uses tariffs to keep the US domestic price of sugar 64% to 92% higher than the world market price, costing American consumers $3.7 billion per year.<ref name=USDA/> A 2018 policy proposal to eliminate sugar tariffs, called "Zero-for-Zero", is currently (March 2018) before the [[US Congress]].<ref name=WT/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Romano|first=Robert|date=2017-01-17|title=Yoho Zero for Zero sugar policy is a trade win-win for everyone {{!}} Congressman Ted Yoho|url=https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yoho-zero-for-zero-sugar-policy-is-a-trade-win-win-for-everyone|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119072102/https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yoho-zero-for-zero-sugar-policy-is-a-trade-win-win-for-everyone|archive-date=2017-01-19|access-date=2021-05-06|website=yoho.house.gov}}</ref> Previous reform attempts have failed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Chris|date=2007-06-20|title=Why Congress Should Repeal Sugar Subsidy &#124; Cato Institute|url=https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/why-congress-should-repeal-sugar-subsidy|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=Cato.org}}</ref>
The US sugar system is complex, using [[price support]]s, [[marketing allotment|domestic marketing allotments]], and [[tariffs|tariff]]-rate [[Import quota|quotas]].<ref name=USDA>{{cite web|url=https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/sugar-sweeteners/policy.aspx|publisher=US Department of Agriculture|title=Sugar and sweeteners: Policy|date=20 August 2019|access-date=22 November 2019}}</ref> It directly supports sugar processors rather than farmers growing sugar crops.<ref name=USDA/><ref name=WT/> The US government also uses tariffs to keep the US domestic price of sugar 64% to 92% higher than the world market price, costing American consumers $3.7 billion per year.<ref name=USDA/> A 2018 policy proposal to eliminate sugar tariffs, called "Zero-for-Zero", is currently (March 2018) before the [[US Congress]].<ref name=WT/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Romano|first=Robert|date=2017-01-17|title=Yoho Zero for Zero sugar policy is a trade win-win for everyone {{!}} Congressman Ted Yoho|url=https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yoho-zero-for-zero-sugar-policy-is-a-trade-win-win-for-everyone|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119072102/https://yoho.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yoho-zero-for-zero-sugar-policy-is-a-trade-win-win-for-everyone|archive-date=2017-01-19|access-date=2021-05-06|website=yoho.house.gov}}</ref> Previous reform attempts have failed.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edwards|first=Chris|date=2007-06-20|title=Why Congress Should Repeal Sugar Subsidy &#124; Cato Institute|url=https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/why-congress-should-repeal-sugar-subsidy|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=Cato.org}}</ref>


The [[European Union]] (EU) is a leading sugar exporter. The [[Common Agricultural Policy]] of the EU used to set maximum quotas for production and exports, and a subsidized sugar sales with an EU-guaranteed [[minimum price]].<ref name=BBC_QnA>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4118448.stm |title=Business &#124; Q&A: Sugar subsidies |publisher=BBC News |date=2005-09-19 |access-date=2021-05-06}}</ref><ref name="sugar_FAQ">{{cite web|date=October 2016|title=Food, Farming, Fisheries &#124; European Commission|url=https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/sugar/doc/sugar-faq_en.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125080727/https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/sugar/doc/sugar-faq_en.pdf|archive-date=2017-01-25|access-date=2021-05-06|website=ec.europa.eu|publisher=}}</ref> Large import [[tariff]]s were also used to protect the market.<ref name=BBC_QnA/> In 2004, the EU was spending €3.30 in subsidies to export €1 worth of sugar, and some sugar processors, like [[British Sugar]], had a 25% [[profit margin]].<ref name=oxfam/>
The [[European Union]] (EU) is a leading sugar exporter. The [[Common Agricultural Policy]] of the EU used to set maximum quotas for production and exports, and a subsidized sugar sales with an EU-guaranteed [[minimum price]].<ref name=BBC_QnA>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4118448.stm |title=Business &#124; Q&A: Sugar subsidies |publisher=BBC News |date=2005-09-19 |access-date=2021-05-06}}</ref><ref name="sugar_FAQ">{{cite web|date=October 2016|title=Food, Farming, Fisheries &#124; European Commission|url=https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/sugar/doc/sugar-faq_en.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125080727/https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/sugar/doc/sugar-faq_en.pdf|archive-date=2017-01-25|access-date=2021-05-06|website=ec.europa.eu|publisher=}}</ref> Large import [[tariff]]s were also used to protect the market.<ref name=BBC_QnA/> In 2004, the EU was spending €3.30 in subsidies to export €1 worth of sugar, and some sugar processors, like [[British Sugar]], had a 25% [[profit margin]].<ref name=oxfam/>


A 2004 [[Oxfam]] report called EU sugar subsidies "dumping" and said they harm the world's poor.<ref name="oxfam">{{Cite web|date=March 2004|title=Dumping on the world - How EU sugar policies hurt poor countries|url=https://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/bp61_sugar_dumping_0.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507053743/https://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/bp61_sugar_dumping_0.pdf|archive-date=2018-05-07|access-date=2018-08-19|website=oxfam.org}}</ref>
A 2004 [[Oxfam]] report called EU sugar subsidies "dumping" and said they harm the world's poor.<ref name="oxfam">{{Cite web|date=March 2004|title=Dumping on the world - How EU sugar policies hurt poor countries|url=https://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/bp61_sugar_dumping_0.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507053743/https://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/bp61_sugar_dumping_0.pdf|archive-date=2018-05-07|access-date=2018-08-19|website=oxfam.org}}</ref>
A WTO ruling against the EU quota and subsidy system in 2005-2006<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 August 2004|title=Brazil Claims Victory After WTO Ruling on EU Sugar Subsidies|url=https://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/biores/news/brazil-claims-victory-after-wto-ruling-on-eu-sugar-subsidies|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820005726/https://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/biores/news/brazil-claims-victory-after-wto-ruling-on-eu-sugar-subsidies|archive-date=2018-08-20|access-date=2018-08-19|website=ictsd.org}}</ref> forced the EU to cut its minimum price and quotas, and stop doing [[intervention buying]].<ref name=BBC_QnA/> The EU abolished some quotas in 2015,<ref name=ECommission>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sugar_en |title=Sugar &#124; European Commission |publisher=Ec.europa.eu |date= |access-date=2021-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Burrell|first=Alison|last2=Himics|first2=Mihaly|last3=Van Doorslaer|first3=Benjamin|last4=Ciaian|first4=Pavel|last5=Shrestha|first5=Shailesh|date=2014|title=EU sugar policy : a sweet transition after 2015|url=https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/eur-scientific-and-technical-research-reports/eu-sugar-policy-sweet-transition-after-2015?search|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu|publisher=[[Publications Office of the European Union]]|doi=10.2791/68116|isbn=978-92-79-35567-7|issn=1831-9424}}</ref> but minimum prices remain.<ref name=ECommission/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Viljoen|first=Willemien|date=8 May 2014|title=The end of the EU sugar quota and the implication for African producers|url=https://www.tralac.org/discussions/article/5684-the-end-of-the-eu-sugar-quota-and-the-implication-for-african-producers.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=tralac.org}}</ref><ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite web|last=Roberts|first=Dan|date=27 March 2017|title=Sweet Brexit: what sugar tells us about Britain’s future outside the EU|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/27/brexit-sugar-beet-cane-tate-lyle-british-sugar|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Tariffs also persist for most countries.<ref name="theguardian.com"/> In 2009, the EU granted Least Developed Countries (LDCs) zero-tariff access to the EU market<ref name=BBC_QnA/> as part of the [[Everything but Arms]] initiative.<ref name=sugar_FAQ/>
A WTO ruling against the EU quota and subsidy system in 2005-2006<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 August 2004|title=Brazil Claims Victory After WTO Ruling on EU Sugar Subsidies|url=https://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/biores/news/brazil-claims-victory-after-wto-ruling-on-eu-sugar-subsidies|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820005726/https://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/biores/news/brazil-claims-victory-after-wto-ruling-on-eu-sugar-subsidies|archive-date=2018-08-20|access-date=2018-08-19|website=ictsd.org}}</ref> forced the EU to cut its minimum price and quotas, and stop doing [[intervention buying]].<ref name=BBC_QnA/> The EU abolished some quotas in 2015,<ref name=ECommission>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/sugar_en |title=Sugar &#124; European Commission |publisher=Ec.europa.eu |date= |access-date=2021-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Burrell|first1=Alison|last2=Himics|first2=Mihaly|last3=Van Doorslaer|first3=Benjamin|last4=Ciaian|first4=Pavel|last5=Shrestha|first5=Shailesh|date=2014|title=EU sugar policy : a sweet transition after 2015|url=https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/eur-scientific-and-technical-research-reports/eu-sugar-policy-sweet-transition-after-2015?search|access-date=2021-05-06|website=publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu|publisher=[[Publications Office of the European Union]]|doi=10.2791/68116|isbn=978-92-79-35567-7|issn=1831-9424}}</ref> but minimum prices remain.<ref name=ECommission/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Viljoen|first=Willemien|date=8 May 2014|title=The end of the EU sugar quota and the implication for African producers|url=https://www.tralac.org/discussions/article/5684-the-end-of-the-eu-sugar-quota-and-the-implication-for-african-producers.html|access-date=2021-05-06|website=tralac.org}}</ref><ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite web|last=Roberts|first=Dan|date=27 March 2017|title=Sweet Brexit: what sugar tells us about Britain's future outside the EU|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/27/brexit-sugar-beet-cane-tate-lyle-british-sugar|access-date=2021-05-06|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Tariffs also persist for most countries.<ref name="theguardian.com"/> In 2009, the EU granted Least Developed Countries (LDCs) zero-tariff access to the EU market<ref name=BBC_QnA/> as part of the [[Everything but Arms]] initiative.<ref name=sugar_FAQ/>


As of 2018, [[Sugar industry in India|India]], [[Thailand]], and Mexico also subsidize sugar.<ref name=WT/>
As of 2018, [[Sugar industry in India|India]], [[Thailand]], and Mexico also subsidize sugar.<ref name=WT/>

[[Glucose syrup]]s produced from wheat and corn (maize) compete with the traditional dry sugar market.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}


==Global players==
==Global players==


The top 10 sugar-producing companies based on production in 2010:<ref>{{cite web|author=Chanjaroen|first=Chanyaporn|date=November 4, 2011|title=Suedzucker Leads the Top 10 Sugar-Producing Companies|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-11-04/suedzucker-leads-the-top-10-sugar-producing-companies-table-|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]}}</ref>
The top 10 sugar-producing companies based on production in 2010:<ref>{{cite web|author=Chanjaroen|first=Chanyaporn|date=November 4, 2011|title=Suedzucker Leads the Top 10 Sugar-Producing Companies|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-11-04/suedzucker-leads-the-top-10-sugar-producing-companies-table-|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 55: Line 51:
|}
|}


The global sugar industry has a low [[market share]] concentration. The top four sugar producers account for less than 20.0% of the market.<ref>{{cite web|date=31 March 2021|year=|title=Global Sugar Manufacturing: Market Research Report|url=http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/global/global-sugar-manufacturing.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=IBISWorld}}</ref>
The global sugar industry has a low [[market share]] concentration. The top four sugar producers account for less than 20.0% of the market.<ref>{{cite web|date=31 March 2021|title=Global Sugar Manufacturing: Market Research Report|url=http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/global/global-sugar-manufacturing.html|access-date=2021-05-06|publisher=IBISWorld}}</ref>


{{See also|:Category:Sugar companies}}
{{See also|:Category:Sugar companies}}
Line 70: Line 66:
==Lobbying and marketing==
==Lobbying and marketing==
{{Main|Sugar marketing}}
{{Main|Sugar marketing}}
The sugar industry engages in sugar marketing and [[lobbying]], minimizing the adverse health effects of sugar—[[obesity]] and [[tooth decay]]—and influencing medical research and [[public health]] recommendations.<ref name="time_soda">{{Cite news| last = Sifferlin| first = Alexandra| title = Soda Companies Fund 96 Health Groups In the U.S.| work = Time| access-date = 2018-03-24| date = 10 October 2016| url = http://time.com/4522940/soda-pepsi-coke-health-obesity/}}</ref><ref name="conflict_2017">{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1001/jama.2017.3456| pmid = 28464165| issn = 0098-7484| volume = 317| issue = 17| pages = 1755–1756| last = Mozaffarian| first = Dariush| title = Conflict of Interest and the Role of the Food Industry in Nutrition Research| journal = JAMA| date = 2 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Schillinger_bias">{{Cite journal| doi = 10.7326/L16-0534| pmid = 27802504| issn = 0003-4819| volume = 165| issue = 12| pages = 895–897| last1 = Schillinger| first1 = Dean| last2 = Tran| first2 = Jessica| last3 = Mangurian| first3 = Christina| last4 = Kearns| first4 = Cristin| title = Do Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Cause Obesity and Diabetes? Industry and the Manufacture of Scientific Controversy| journal = Annals of Internal Medicine| access-date = 2018-03-21| date = 20 December 2016| url = http://diabetesed.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Annals-int-medicine-sugar-study-skew.pdf| pmc = 7883900}}([http://annals.org/article.aspx?doi=10.7326/L16-0534 original url, paywalled]: [https://www.acponline.org/authors/conflictFormServlet/L16-0534/ICMJE/L16-0534-Conflicts.pdf Author's conflict of interest disclosure forms])</ref><ref name="NYT_linked">{{Cite news| issn = 0362-4331| last = O’Connor| first = Anahad| title = Studies Linked to Soda Industry Mask Health Risks| work = [[The New York Times]]| access-date = 2018-03-23| date = 31 October 2016| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/well/eat/studies-linked-to-soda-industry-mask-health-risks.html}}</ref>
The sugar industry engages in sugar marketing and [[lobbying]], minimizing the adverse health effects of sugar—[[obesity]] and [[tooth decay]]—and influencing medical research and [[public health]] recommendations.<ref name="time_soda">{{Cite magazine| last = Sifferlin| first = Alexandra| title = Soda Companies Fund 96 Health Groups In the U.S.| magazine = Time| access-date = 2018-03-24| date = 10 October 2016| url = http://time.com/4522940/soda-pepsi-coke-health-obesity/}}</ref><ref name="conflict_2017">{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1001/jama.2017.3456| pmid = 28464165| issn = 0098-7484| volume = 317| issue = 17| pages = 1755–1756| last = Mozaffarian| first = Dariush| title = Conflict of Interest and the Role of the Food Industry in Nutrition Research| journal = JAMA| date = 2 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="Schillinger_bias">{{Cite journal| doi = 10.7326/L16-0534| pmid = 27802504| issn = 0003-4819| volume = 165| issue = 12| pages = 895–897| last1 = Schillinger| first1 = Dean| last2 = Tran| first2 = Jessica| last3 = Mangurian| first3 = Christina| last4 = Kearns| first4 = Cristin| title = Do Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Cause Obesity and Diabetes? Industry and the Manufacture of Scientific Controversy| journal = [[Annals of Internal Medicine]]| access-date = 2018-03-21| date = 20 December 2016| url = http://diabetesed.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Annals-int-medicine-sugar-study-skew.pdf| pmc = 7883900}}([http://annals.org/article.aspx?doi=10.7326/L16-0534 original url, paywalled]: [https://www.acponline.org/authors/conflictFormServlet/L16-0534/ICMJE/L16-0534-Conflicts.pdf Author's conflict of interest disclosure forms])</ref><ref name="NYT_linked">{{Cite news| issn = 0362-4331| last = O’Connor| first = Anahad| title = Studies Linked to Soda Industry Mask Health Risks| work = [[The New York Times]]| access-date = 2018-03-23| date = 31 October 2016| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/01/well/eat/studies-linked-to-soda-industry-mask-health-risks.html}}</ref>


=== Organizations ===
=== Organizations ===

Latest revision as of 19:34, 31 December 2023

"Big Sugar" redirects here. For the Canadian rock band, see Big Sugar (band). For other uses, see Big Sugar (disambiguation).
Sugar Prices 1962-2022
USD per pound

The sugar industry subsumes the production, processing and marketing of sugars (mostly sucrose and fructose). Globally, most sugar is extracted from sugar cane (~80% predominantly in the tropics) and sugar beet (~ 20%, mostly in temperate climate, like in the U.S. or Europe).

Sugar beets awaiting processing at the Holly Sugar Corporation plant near Brawley, California in 1970

Sugar is used for soft drinks, sweetened beverages, convenience foods, fast food, candy, confectionery, baked products, and other sweetened foods. Sugarcane is used in the distillation of rum.

Several countries subsidize sugar.[1] Globally in 2018, around 185 million tons of sugar was produced, led by India with 35.9 million tons, followed by Brazil and Thailand.[2] There are more than 123 sugar-producing countries, but only 30% of the produce is traded on the international market.

Market[edit]

Sugar subsidies have driven market costs for sugar well below the cost of production. As of 2019, 3/4 of world sugar production is never traded on the open market. Brazil controls half the global market, paying the most ($2.5 billion per year) in subsidies to its sugar industry.[3]

The US sugar system is complex, using price supports, domestic marketing allotments, and tariff-rate quotas.[4] It directly supports sugar processors rather than farmers growing sugar crops.[4][3] The US government also uses tariffs to keep the US domestic price of sugar 64% to 92% higher than the world market price, costing American consumers $3.7 billion per year.[4] A 2018 policy proposal to eliminate sugar tariffs, called "Zero-for-Zero", is currently (March 2018) before the US Congress.[3][5] Previous reform attempts have failed.[6]

The European Union (EU) is a leading sugar exporter. The Common Agricultural Policy of the EU used to set maximum quotas for production and exports, and a subsidized sugar sales with an EU-guaranteed minimum price.[7][8] Large import tariffs were also used to protect the market.[7] In 2004, the EU was spending €3.30 in subsidies to export €1 worth of sugar, and some sugar processors, like British Sugar, had a 25% profit margin.[9]

A 2004 Oxfam report called EU sugar subsidies "dumping" and said they harm the world's poor.[9] A WTO ruling against the EU quota and subsidy system in 2005-2006[10] forced the EU to cut its minimum price and quotas, and stop doing intervention buying.[7] The EU abolished some quotas in 2015,[11][12] but minimum prices remain.[11][13][14] Tariffs also persist for most countries.[14] In 2009, the EU granted Least Developed Countries (LDCs) zero-tariff access to the EU market[7] as part of the Everything but Arms initiative.[8]

As of 2018, India, Thailand, and Mexico also subsidize sugar.[3]

Global players[edit]

The top 10 sugar-producing companies based on production in 2010:[15]

Rank Company 2010/11 Output [Mt] Country
1. Südzucker AG 4.2 Germany
2. Cosan SA Industria & Comercio 4.1 Brazil
3. British Sugar Plc 3.9 UK
4. Tereos Internacional SA 3.6 France
5. Mitr Phol Sugar Corp. 2.7 Thailand
6. Nordzucker Gmbh & Co KG 2.5 Germany
7. Louis Dreyfus 1.8 Netherlands
8. Wilmar International Ltd. 1.5 Singapore
9. Thai Roong Ruang Sugar Group 1.5 Thailand
10. Turkiye Seker Fabrikalari 1.34 Turkey

The global sugar industry has a low market share concentration. The top four sugar producers account for less than 20.0% of the market.[16]

See also: Category:Sugar companies

Products[edit]

Lobbying and marketing[edit]

Main article: Sugar marketing

The sugar industry engages in sugar marketing and lobbying, minimizing the adverse health effects of sugar—obesity and tooth decay—and influencing medical research and public health recommendations.[17][18][19][20]

Organizations[edit]

History of the sugar industry[edit]

Main article: History of sugar

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Resolution In US House Against Subsidies On Sugar By Countries Including India". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  2. ^ "Sugar: World Markets and Trade" (PDF). Foreign Agricultural Service, US Department of Agriculture. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d Phillips, Judson (16 March 2018). "Sugar, steel subsidies are anything but sweet". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  4. ^ a b c "Sugar and sweeteners: Policy". US Department of Agriculture. 20 August 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  5. ^ Romano, Robert (2017-01-17). "Yoho Zero for Zero sugar policy is a trade win-win for everyone | Congressman Ted Yoho". yoho.house.gov. Archived from the original on 2017-01-19. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  6. ^ Edwards, Chris (2007-06-20). "Why Congress Should Repeal Sugar Subsidy | Cato Institute". Cato.org. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  7. ^ a b c d "Business | Q&A: Sugar subsidies". BBC News. 2005-09-19. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  8. ^ a b "Food, Farming, Fisheries | European Commission" (PDF). ec.europa.eu. October 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-25. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  9. ^ a b "Dumping on the world - How EU sugar policies hurt poor countries" (PDF). oxfam.org. March 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-05-07. Retrieved 2018-08-19.
  10. ^ "Brazil Claims Victory After WTO Ruling on EU Sugar Subsidies". ictsd.org. 6 August 2004. Archived from the original on 2018-08-20. Retrieved 2018-08-19.
  11. ^ a b "Sugar | European Commission". Ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  12. ^ Burrell, Alison; Himics, Mihaly; Van Doorslaer, Benjamin; Ciaian, Pavel; Shrestha, Shailesh (2014). EU sugar policy : a sweet transition after 2015. Publications Office of the European Union. doi:10.2791/68116. ISBN 978-92-79-35567-7. ISSN 1831-9424. Retrieved 2021-05-06. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  13. ^ Viljoen, Willemien (8 May 2014). "The end of the EU sugar quota and the implication for African producers". tralac.org. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  14. ^ a b Roberts, Dan (27 March 2017). "Sweet Brexit: what sugar tells us about Britain's future outside the EU". The Guardian. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  15. ^ Chanjaroen, Chanyaporn (November 4, 2011). "Suedzucker Leads the Top 10 Sugar-Producing Companies". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  16. ^ "Global Sugar Manufacturing: Market Research Report". IBISWorld. 31 March 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  17. ^ Sifferlin, Alexandra (10 October 2016). "Soda Companies Fund 96 Health Groups In the U.S." Time. Retrieved 2018-03-24.
  18. ^ Mozaffarian, Dariush (2 May 2017). "Conflict of Interest and the Role of the Food Industry in Nutrition Research". JAMA. 317 (17): 1755–1756. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.3456. ISSN 0098-7484. PMID 28464165.
  19. ^ Schillinger, Dean; Tran, Jessica; Mangurian, Christina; Kearns, Cristin (20 December 2016). "Do Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Cause Obesity and Diabetes? Industry and the Manufacture of Scientific Controversy" (PDF). Annals of Internal Medicine. 165 (12): 895–897. doi:10.7326/L16-0534. ISSN 0003-4819. PMC 7883900. PMID 27802504. Retrieved 2018-03-21.(original url, paywalled: Author's conflict of interest disclosure forms)
  20. ^ O’Connor, Anahad (31 October 2016). "Studies Linked to Soda Industry Mask Health Risks". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-03-23.

Further reading[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sugar_industry&oldid=1192863730"