Sugar prices have surged to their highest level in over a decade, raising concerns about the potential impact on global food inflation [1]. London’s white-sugar futures experienced a 4.3% jump on Tuesday, marking the highest prices since 2011 [1]. The rising costs of sugar are expected to affect industries that rely on the sweetener as a key ingredient in products such as chocolate, fizzy drinks, and baked goods [2].
The increase in sugar prices is driven by mounting concerns about tight global supplies [1]. In fact, every country exporting sugar is currently doing so at a loss, as producers can earn more in their own country than on the global market [4]. This trend has persisted despite projections of a world surplus in sugar production [5].
Furthermore, the increasing global price of oil in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a 160% rise in fertilizer costs compared to 2021, contributing to the surge in sugar prices [6]. Despite these challenges, sugar cane yields are expected to increase to 69.6 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) in the 2022/23 marketing year [6].
The surge in sugar prices has significant implications for public health, as high sugar consumption is linked to a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity [7][9]. Some countries have implemented sugar taxes in an effort to reduce consumption and improve public health outcomes [8].
As sugar prices continue to climb, the threat to global food inflation remains, with potential consequences for both industry and consumer health.