Trend Signals: Growing Preference for All Natural Sugar in U.S.

The First Annual Sugar Association Outlook Day held in Washington, D.C. for association members.

Government and industry statistics are confirming a growing preference in the United States for pure sugar in foods and beverages rather than other man-made and high intensity artificial sweeteners.

Sugar Association President and CEO Andy Briscoe and Imperial Sugar President and CEO John Sheptor.

At the First Annual Sugar Association Outlook Day held in Washington for association members – a gathering of top sugar and food industry executives – Stephen Haley of the USDA Economic Research Service said that while demand for sugar increases, the amount of sugar imported from Mexico growers has doubled since 2008 (693,934 tons), increasing to 1.4 million tons imported into the U.S in 2009.

Sugar producers in Mexico are taking advantage of higher sugar prices in the U.S., driven by heightened consumer awareness about nutrition and health and concern about the proliferation of artificial sweeteners. At the same time, Haley reports increased high fructose corn syrup being exported to Mexico.

Robb MacKie, President and CEO of the American Bakers Association, said 2010 is all about nutrition – dietary guidelines, child nutrition and increased awareness about obesity, an issue driven by First Lady Michelle Obama. MacKie’s member bakers account for approximately 42 percent of all industrial sugar used in the U.S in 2009.

Robb MacKie, President and CEO of the American Bakers Association.

MacKie said one challenge to his industry is consumer and government confusion over what’s healthy to eat, and he urged clarity for dietary guidelines, backed up by more updated better scientific research. MacKie advocates being engaged in the current debate over improved nutrition in the U.S. food and beverage industry, and he calls for better nutrition labeling.

Sugar Association – led by President and CEO Andy Briscoe – represents America’s sugar industry in Washington and promotes the consumption of sugar as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle through the use of sound science and research.

Other industry leaders participating in the one-day conference included John Sheptor, President and CEO of Imperial Sugar Company; Brian O’Malley, President and CEO of Domino Foods; Jim Simon, General Manager of American Sugar Cane League; and, Mark Flagenheimer, President and CEO of Michigan Sugar Company, along with 30 additional sugar industry executives.