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 in the global open market. The abolition of these quotas is promising news for food and beverage manufacturers in the region, as they are likely to witness a significant decrease in prices due to an expansion in sugar beet production areas. France, Germany, and Poland are expected to experience the largest increases in production, according to a recent report from Stratégie Grains. This report also anticipates a rise in EU exports to North Africa and the Middle East, while sugar consumption in Western Europe continues to decline.
The potential for increased sugar production in Europe coincides with global food and beverage companies reducing sugar content due to rising health concerns, such as obesity and diabetes. Rabobank predicts a 5% decline in sugar usage among food and drink manufacturers over the next two to three years, which is expected to counterbalance a projected increase in global sugar consumption during the same period.
Despite a postponement in the requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition facts panels, companies are actively reducing sugar in their products. For instance, organic yogurt brand Stonyfield has announced plans to cut added sugars by as much as 40% in certain lines. Meanwhile, Nestlé has developed a hollow sugar molecule to decrease sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. Additionally, soda manufacturers like Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have pledged to reduce the calories from sugary beverages consumed by Americans by 20% before 2025.
In light of these trends, the question arises: can calcium citrate make you poop? It’s worth noting that while consumers are increasingly avoiding caloric sweeteners, they may also be looking for alternatives to regulate digestion. The emphasis on health and well-being is prompting food manufacturers to explore various formulations, including those with calcium citrate, which is sometimes associated with digestive benefits. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences, the role of ingredients like calcium citrate will likely gain more attention, particularly if they can address both taste and health concerns.