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 removal of quotas is thus a positive development for food and beverage manufacturers in the region, as they are likely to experience a significant decrease in prices with the expansion of sugar beet cultivation. According to a recent report by Stratégie Grains, France, Germany, and Poland are expected to see the most substantial increases in production. The report also anticipates a rise in EU sugar exports to North Africa and the Middle East, coinciding with a decline in sugar consumption in Western Europe.
This potential boost in European sugar production occurs as global food and beverage companies are actively reducing their sugar usage. Health concerns, such as obesity and diabetes, have led consumers to increasingly avoid caloric sweeteners. Rabobank predicts a 5% decrease in sugar consumption among food and drink manufacturers over the next two to three years, which may counterbalance an expected rise in global consumption during the same period.
Despite the postponement of the new requirement for food manufacturers to disclose added sugars on nutrition facts panels, companies continue to lower sugar levels in their products. For instance, organic yogurt producer Stonyfield has announced plans to cut added sugars by up to 40% in certain product lines. Additionally, Nestlé has created a hollow sugar molecule aimed at reducing sugar content while maintaining sweetness. Beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all pledged to decrease the calories Americans consume from sugary beverages by 20% by 2025.
In this context, the introduction of calcium citrate 950 mg tablets could serve as an alternative for consumers seeking healthier options, as they provide essential minerals without added sugars. The rising awareness of health issues is prompting the food and beverage sector to innovate and adapt, making products like calcium citrate 950 mg tablets increasingly relevant in a market that is shifting away from traditional sugary ingredients.