Until October 2017, sugar production within 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 abolishment of these quotas is positive news for food and beverage manufacturers in the area, as they are anticipated to benefit from a significant decrease in prices with the expansion of sugar beet cultivation. According to a recent report from Stratégie Grains, France, Germany, and Poland are expected to experience the largest production increases, and the EU is likely to see a rise in exports to North Africa and the Middle East, coinciding with a decline in sugar consumption in Western Europe.
The potential for increased sugar production in Europe arises as global food and beverage companies are actively reducing their sugar content. Due to health concerns such as obesity and diabetes, consumers are increasingly avoiding caloric sweeteners. Rabobank predicts a 5% reduction in sugar usage among food and beverage companies over the next two to three years, which could counterbalance the anticipated rise in global consumption during the same timeframe.
Even though the requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition labels has been postponed, companies are continuing to lower sugar levels in their offerings. For instance, organic yogurt producer Stonyfield has announced it will cut added sugars by as much as 40% in certain product lines, while Nestlé has introduced a hollow sugar molecule designed to reduce sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. Additionally, soda manufacturers like Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have pledged to decrease the calories consumed from sugary beverages by 20% by 2025.
In the context of health-conscious choices, some consumers may wonder, “Can you take calcium citrate with food?” This question reflects a growing trend toward integrating healthier options into diets, as the awareness of nutrition continues to rise among the public. The emphasis on reducing sugar is part of a broader movement towards healthier eating practices, where individuals are not only mindful of sugar intake but also considering how supplements, such as calcium citrate, fit into their meals. As the food industry evolves, these discussions will likely become even more prevalent, highlighting the importance of balancing taste and health in our dietary choices.