International Sugar Statistics

The international sugar season runs from October to September

More than 100 countries produce sugar around the world either from sugar beet or sugar cane. Approximately 79% of total production is made from sugar cane grown primarily in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of the southern hemisphere, and the balance from sugar beet which is grown mainly in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. Generally, the costs of producing sugar from sugar cane are lower than those in respect of processing sugar beets. Currently, 71% of the world’s sugar is consumed in the countries of origin, whilst the balance is traded on world markets. Because of the residual nature of the world market, the world market price has historically been one of the most volatile of all commodity prices.

The five largest exporters in 2009/10, Brazil, Thailand, Australia, EU and SADC, are expected to supply approximately 93% of all world free market exports. South Africa is currently ranked as the 8th largest exporter to the world market. None of the other countries in which Illovo operates exports sugar to the world market.