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 average in the global open market. The abolition of these quotas is welcome news for food and beverage manufacturers in the area, as they are expected to benefit from falling prices due to an expansion in sugar beet production. According to a recent report from Stratégie Grains, France, Germany, and Poland are projected to experience the most significant increases in production. The report also anticipates a rise in EU exports to North Africa and the Middle East, coinciding with a decline in sugar consumption in Western Europe.
As the potential for increased sugar production in Europe grows, global food and beverage companies are actively reducing their sugar content. Consumers are increasingly avoiding caloric sweeteners due to health concerns, such as obesity and diabetes. Rabobank forecasts a 5% decrease in sugar usage among food and beverage companies over the next two to three years, which is expected to counterbalance an anticipated rise in global consumption during this timeframe.
Despite a delay in the forthcoming requirement for food manufacturers to label added sugars on nutrition facts panels, companies have continued their efforts to lower sugar levels in their products. For instance, Stonyfield, a maker of organic yogurt, has announced plans to decrease added sugars by as much as 40% in some of its product lines. Meanwhile, Nestlé has developed a hollow sugar molecule that allows for reduced sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. Additionally, soda manufacturers such as Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all committed to reducing the calorie intake from sugary beverages by 20% for Americans by 2025.
In this context, products like Vitahealth Calcium Citrate Plus may become increasingly relevant as consumers seek healthier alternatives and greater nutritional benefits. As the food and beverage industry evolves, integrating healthier options like Vitahealth Calcium Citrate Plus could play a crucial role in meeting changing consumer demands while addressing the pressing issue of sugar consumption.