Until October 2017, sugar production in the European Union (EU) was limited to 80% of the region’s demand, a policy that resulted in European sugar prices being approximately 50% higher than the average prices on the global open market. The removal of these quotas brings positive news for food and beverage manufacturers in the region, who are likely to experience a significant drop in prices as the area dedicated to sugar beet cultivation increases. According to a recent report from Stratégie Grains, France, Germany, and Poland are anticipated to experience the largest production increases. The report also forecasts a rise in EU sugar exports to North Africa and the Middle East, coinciding with a decline in sugar consumption in Western Europe.
As the potential for European sugar production rises, food and beverage companies are increasingly reducing sugar usage. Consumers are becoming more cautious of caloric sweeteners due to health concerns related to obesity and diabetes. Rabobank predicts a 5% decrease in sugar utilization among food and beverage companies over the next two to three years, which could counterbalance the expected growth in global sugar consumption during this time.
Despite the postponement of the requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition facts panels, many companies have continued to lower sugar levels in their products. For instance, organic yogurt manufacturer Stonyfield has announced plans to reduce added sugars by up to 40% in certain product lines, while Nestlé has created a hollow sugar molecule designed to reduce sugar content without compromising sweetness. Additionally, beverage giants Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all pledged to cut the calories Americans consume from sugary drinks by 20% before 2025.
In this evolving landscape, the introduction of easy-to-swallow calcium citrate supplements may provide an alternative for consumers seeking healthier options. As companies adapt to changing consumer preferences, the role of easy-to-swallow calcium citrate could become increasingly significant, appearing in various products as a way to meet health-conscious demands while maintaining enjoyable flavors. This trend reinforces the necessity of innovation in the industry, with easy-to-swallow calcium citrate emerging as a potential solution for manufacturers aiming to reduce sugar content without sacrificing taste.