International Sweetener Colloquium 2026

Co-hosted by the Sweetener Users Association and the International Dairy Foods Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium offered a unique opportunity for key players across sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global sweetener industry. Compared to previous events, there was greater agreement between speakers on the major issues impacting the industry.

Our key takeaways....

Too much supply, not enough demand

The consensus from most of the speakers was that there is a lot of sugar chasing decreasing demand. The impact of GLP-1 drugs, MAHA, and consumer preference for reduced sugar options is expected to impact demand.  At the same time, domestic producers are still sitting on a lot of sugar looking for a home.

The effect on cane supply due to the recent Florida freeze was expected to be of moderate significance.  The subsequent USDA report substantiated that theory.

Smart CPG’s are Reformulating to Meet Changing Consumer Preferences

Real sugar in moderate portions or blended with fruit sweeteners is gaining popularity.  Artificial sweeteners and ultra-processed HFCS have no friends these days. Innovative beverages with minimal sugar, but loaded with fiber, probiotics, protein, or other ingredients perceived as healthy and delicious, are filling millennials' refrigerators.

Chance of a Forfeiture Goes Up

With the significant increase in the forfeiture rate, the chances that the domestic industry will forfeit stocks to the government also go up.  However, forfeiture comes with long-term risks due to its high cost to the US taxpayers.  The industry would no longer be able to claim a “no-cost” sugar program.  Additionally, finding a home for the forfeited sugar is not an easy task. Using it as a feedstock for ethanol did not go so smoothly last time.

Forfeiture would certainly correct the short-term supply/demand disconnect, but it could also come with a demand for some structural changes in how the USDA manages domestic and imported supply to avoid another expensive payout.

Brazil Sugar Industry Under Pressure

With the #11’s below the cost of production, the Brazilian sugar industry is under significant financial pressure. Since the ISC, the cost of oil has gone up due to the war in Iran, which is normally bullish for sugar ethanol, but the world price of sugar has not been as volatile as oil.   But that could change if the war continues and oil supply chains remain disrupted with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz.

Current Sugar Prices are Good.  Buy Now

With the increased forfeiture price and import constraints remaining, little could happen to cause sugar prices to fall by more than 2-3 cents per pound. Is it really worth waiting for that? Smart companies are locking in 2-year contracts. 

Partnerships Matter

CSC Sugar/Sugaright enjoyed meeting with long-term partners and meeting new ones. As nothing is constant but change, we remain committed to responding to uncertainty to ensure a high-quality supply, no matter market disruptions.