Sosland Purchasing Seminar 2025: Key Take-Aways

At the recent Sosland Purchasing Seminar, food and beverage industry professionals gathered to learn about and discuss the state of various markets. Given the complex landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, evolving trade policies, and shifting supply-demand dynamics, it was no surprise to hear that Sosland reported record attendance of nearly 900 industry leaders. The general tone of most industry presentations was calm and positive, but the uncertainty of tariffs and their potential impacts remained a threat to food and beverage manufacturers, and clear direction for the future remained elusive.     

 Weather

 A mild outlook for 2025 was predicted due to a neutral ENSO weather pattern in place and favorable rain expectations in key growing regions across the US. Even Mexico was expected to benefit from late-summer rains that would benefit late-season crops.

Transportation

 The transportation industry continues to struggle with market weakness, a significant bullwhip effect on market conditions from three years ago, which has rebalanced the shipper-carrier relationship.

 Winners and Losers

 In the world of sugar and corn sweeteners, US corn production was expected to remain strong in 2025, with an anticipated weak tone to future prices. Replacing high fructose corn syrup with liquid cane sugar remains a hot topic for beverage producers in the wake of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Meanwhile, domestic sugar supplies remain high from an extensive 2024 carryover and nearly record-high production, and uncertain consumer demand due to dietary changes.

This scenario prompted the “F” word (forfeitures) from Ron Sterk of Sosland Publishing.  And of course, sugar buyers see an opportunity to lock in substantial year-over-year savings after a rough few years of dramatic price increases. However, it was also noted that today’s prices won’t be sustainable for farmers in the long term. The last sugar beet growing operation and processing facility in California announced that it would be closing earlier this year, and any uptick in pricing for other crops could jeopardize acreage in other US sugar-producing regions.

Buying Opportunity

With this being said, the current market dynamics for both sugar and freight present the opportunity for buyers to secure both savings for 2026 and long-term savings for 2027 and beyond. Smart buyers are getting ahead of the expected increase in demand for liquid cane sugar as demand for high fructose corn syrup wanes.

Sugaright is proud to offer consistent, competitive pricing year after year with the industry’s most reliable customer service, so you can spend less time on sugar negotiations and more time on enjoying your favorite sweet treats at summer BBQ’s.