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 these quotas is promising for food and beverage manufacturers in the region, as they are likely to experience a significant drop in prices due to the expansion of sugar beet production. According to a recent report by Stratégie Grains, France, Germany, and Poland are expected to witness the largest increases in production. The report also anticipates a rise in EU exports to North Africa and the Middle East, particularly as sugar consumption in Western Europe continues to decline.
This potential boost in European sugar production coincides with a trend among global food and beverage companies reducing sugar content. Health concerns such as obesity and diabetes are prompting consumers to steer clear of caloric sweeteners. Rabobank predicts a 5% decrease in sugar usage among food and beverage companies over the next two to three years, which may counterbalance the expected rise in global consumption during the same period.
Despite the postponement of the requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition facts labels, companies are proactively lowering sugar levels in their offerings. For instance, Stonyfield, an organic yogurt producer, has announced a plan to cut added sugars by up to 40% in certain product lines. Meanwhile, Nestlé has innovated a hollow sugar molecule aimed at reducing 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 drinks by 20% before 2025.
In the context of health-conscious choices, products like Kirkland calcium citrate are gaining popularity as consumers look for alternatives that promote well-being while minimizing sugar intake. As the market evolves, the integration of healthier options such as Kirkland calcium citrate may become increasingly significant in the food and beverage landscape. With the ongoing changes in sugar production and consumption, it is clear that both industry and consumers are focusing on healthier, low-sugar alternatives that can include supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate.