Sugar and sweeteners saw polarised performances in the retail and foodservice channels in 2025. Retail demand was negatively impacted by rising health concerns, with consumers increasingly looking for ways to tackle serious health issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, foodservice sales rose, with locals having a long tradition of consuming their mint tea and coffee with sugar. Moving forward players could focus on offering healthier options such as organic and natural sugar an

Volume sales of sugar and sweeteners in Spain declined in 2025 as negative health perceptions continued to reduce refined sugar intake. Consumers increasingly traded towards alternatives such as panela and other natural sweeteners, lifting value sales within unrefined sugar given higher unit prices, while confusion between brown and unrefined sugar continued to support brown sugar demand. Purchasing also diverged by demographic, with younger and more health-focused consumers favouring perceived

In Italy, volume sales of sugar and sweeteners rose slightly in 2025, ending several years of decline, although the category still underperforms as consumers continue to moderate sugar intake. Sweeteners accounted for most of the improvement, supported by innovation and growing interest in alternatives as retail sugar prices softened on stronger global supply expectations. Demand for sugar remains constrained by health awareness and a shift toward fresh, minimally processed diets, while import d

Sugar and sweeteners saw volume sales decrease in Mexico in 2025 as health considerations continued to outweigh price, extending a multi-year reduction in at-home sugar use. Front-of-pack warning labels and sustained public health messaging reinforced moderation, while caution around artificial sweeteners encouraged some consumers to reduce overall sweetness rather than switch to synthetic substitutes. Retail remained the largest channel but recorded the steepest decline, whereas foodservice pro

Total volume sales of sugar and sweeteners in Germany recorded only marginal growth in 2025 as health concerns continued to curb refined sugar intake. Demand increasingly shifted towards natural and low-calorie alternatives, supported by the BMEL’s National Reduction and Innovation Strategy for Sugar - particularly in applications such as beverages, dairy and bakery. Budget caution also influenced purchasing, strengthening the role of private label and larger pack sizes across the retail channel

Volume sales for sugar and sweeteners in France rose only marginally in 2025, supported by a strong fruit season that lifted demand for gelling and crystal sugar used in home-made jams and preserves. Health concerns continued to weigh on the category, with tighter Nutri-Score criteria and sustained public messaging reinforcing efforts to reduce sugar intake and pushing manufacturers toward alternative propositions. Premium brown and cane sugars, organic options and natural sweeteners such as ste

Sugar and sweeteners is seeing growing volume sales in Thailand despite rising concerns about the potential effects of excessive sugar consumption on health in the context of the prominent broader health and wellness trend. Growth is being supported by the strong presence of sweet food and beverages in traditional Thai cuisine.

In 2025, volume sales for sugar and sweeteners in Poland rose slightly, but growth stayed flat as health-led sugar reduction continued. Seasonal home preserving and baking supported demand, with discounters using heavy promotions to drive bulk purchases. Brand loyalty remained weak, as shoppers typically chose the cheapest option, while stevia and other sweeteners gained ground despite higher prices. Over the forecast period, volume sales should edge up, but higher energy costs and reduced sugar

Total volume sales of sugar and sweeteners in the US decreased in 2025. Demand fell across channels, with institutional showing a particularly sharp drop in volume sales. The increase in the average retail current unit price remained high, damaging demand and maintaining fast current value sales growth. Production challenges from unpredictable weather in key growing regions like Florida and Louisiana continued to affect crop yields and harvest timings throughout 2025. Hurricanes and drought cycl

Sales of sugar and sweeteners continued to decline in retail volume terms in 2025. A growing focus on healthy living has pushed more consumers to reduce their sugar intake, with this being supported by government efforts to tackle the country’s obesity crisis. Despite this, sales of natural sweeteners have seen some momentum as consumers looker for healthier forms of indulgence. A similar pattern is projected for the forecast period with manufacturers likely to focus on pushing better-for-you sw

Foodservice sales benefited from an uptick in inbound tourism and a focus on Japanese sweets and desserts in 2025. In contrast, retail volume sales declined as increasing health concerns and rising prices pushed consumers to reduce their consumption of sugar and sweeteners. Moving forward players are expected to focus on offering healthier and more natural sweeteners to meet the evolving demands of the local market.

Sugar and sweeteners continued to enjoy steady growth in total volume terms in 2025, boosted by the importance of these ingredients in local dishes and well as record tourism numbers. The introduction of a new sugar tax on sugar-sweetened beverages from January 2026 is likely to shake up the market and have a knock-on effect on sales of sugar and sweeteners. As consumers become more health conscious this is pushing sales towards natural alternatives.

Consumers were increasingly dependent on standard sugar as a pantry staple over 2025, supporting volume sales. Many households relied on sugar as an affordable choice for home baking and everyday rituals in the face of cost of living pressures. Nonetheless, the growing scepticism toward ultra-processed foods, coupled with rising awareness of added sugar intake, is prompting some households to reduce usage.

Rising health concerns have curbed traditional sugar consumption in China, although natural lines are gaining appeal, such as honey and maple syrup. Fear of ultra-processed food is posing a challenge for category players as households seek to reduce sugar purchases.

Sugar and sweeteners is set to see only low total volume growth in 2024. Foodservice volumes are expected to continue to rise, as cakes, pastries, and other sugary foods are an integral part of the offering of many consumer foodservice establishments, as many Indians have a sweet tooth, and like to treat themselves to an occasional indulgence. Meanwhile, retail volume sales are anticipated to decline, despite the continued rise in the population. Prices have been increasing, which has impacted p

In 2024, branded sugar recorded further rises within Vietnam’s sugar and sweeteners market. This growth was driven largely by the relentless expansion of modern grocery retail channels, through which branded sugar is the only kind available. Local consumers see branded sugar as offering higher quality than unbranded sugar and prefer it partly because its packaging clearly declares origin, expiry date and place of production. In terms of price, the gap between branded and unbranded sugar is not b

South Africa’s sugar industry has struggled in recent years due to a combination of poor local production, impacted by loadshedding and flooding, as well as elevated international sugar prices, caused by climatic factors such as drought. While a fall in local production has increased the demand for imported sugar, prices remain high in 2024, despite a decline compared to the previous year. Relying too heavily on imported sugar has further exacerbated local sugar producers’ challenges. There has

Brazil, the largest producer and exporter of sugar globally, reached a record high for the 2023/2024 season, with 713.2 million tonnes of sugarcane produced, which also led to a record in export volumes. The recovery of the international market and higher prices of the commodity when compared with 2022 left Brazil in a good position. Although placed as second in the ranking of global consumers, according to Esalq, consumption has been decreasing domestically, and total volume sales of sugars and