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 global market average. The removal of quotas is therefore advantageous for food and beverage manufacturers in the region, who can expect prices to decrease as the area allocated for sugar beet production expands. France, Germany, and Poland are projected to experience the most significant production increases, according to a recent report from Stratégie Grains. This report also anticipates a rise in EU exports to North Africa and the Middle East, as sugar consumption in Western Europe continues to decline.
The potential for increased sugar production in Europe comes at a time when global food and beverage companies are reducing their sugar usage. Consumers are increasingly avoiding caloric sweeteners due to health concerns such as obesity and diabetes. Rabobank forecasts a 5% decrease in sugar consumption among food and drink companies over the next two to three years, which could counterbalance an expected rise in global consumption during this time.
Despite the postponement of the requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition facts panels, companies have continued to lower sugar levels in their products. For instance, organic yogurt maker Stonyfield has announced it will cut added sugars by as much as 40% in some of its product lines. Meanwhile, Nestlé claims to have developed a hollow sugar molecule that reduces sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. Additionally, soda producers like Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all pledged to decrease the caloric intake from sugary drinks by 20% for Americans by 2025.
In this context, understanding what calcium citrate does becomes increasingly relevant, as companies may look for alternatives to enhance flavor while reducing sugar. As the food industry adapts to these changes, the role of ingredients like calcium citrate will likely become more prominent, particularly as manufacturers strive to meet consumer demand for healthier options.