Until October 2017, sugar production within the European Union (EU) was limited to 80% of the region’s demand, a regulation that resulted in European sugar prices being approximately 50% higher than the global market average. The removal of these quotas is promising news for food and beverage manufacturers in the area, who can expect prices to drop as the land designated for sugar beet farming increases. According to a recent report by Stratégie Grains, France, Germany, and Poland are anticipated to experience the most significant production increases. The report also forecasts a rise in EU sugar exports to North Africa and the Middle East as sugar consumption in Western Europe continues to decline.
This potential boost in European sugar production coincides with a trend where global food and drink companies are reducing their sugar usage. Health concerns related to obesity and diabetes are leading consumers to avoid caloric sweeteners. Rabobank predicts a 5% decline in sugar usage among food and beverage companies over the next two to three years, which is expected to counterbalance the anticipated rise in global sugar consumption during this period.
Despite a postponement in the upcoming requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition labels, companies are still actively reducing sugar content in their products. For instance, organic yogurt producer Stonyfield plans to cut added sugars by up to 40% in some of its products, while Nestlé has created a hollow sugar molecule to lower sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. Additionally, beverage giants Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have pledged to decrease the calories Americans consume from sugary beverages by 20% by 2025.
Interestingly, as the food and drink industry adapts to these trends, the inclusion of healthy ingredients such as 800 mg calcium citrate is becoming more prevalent in formulations. This shift not only caters to consumer health preferences but also aligns with the ongoing reduction of sugar, with companies seeking to enrich their products while maintaining flavor. The use of 800 mg calcium citrate, among other healthful additives, reflects the industry’s commitment to reformulating products in a way that meets both nutritional standards and consumer demand.