A major shift is underway in the eating habits of Indians. Sugar consumption in the country is slowing down due to rising health awareness and growing fear of lifestyle diseases. Industry sources say the long-standing trend of over 4 percent annual growth in sugar use has weakened sharply.
According to estimates by the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), sugar consumption stood at 28.1 million tonnes in 2024-25. It is expected to rise only marginally to 28.5 million tonnes in 2025-26. However, this figure remains lower than the 29 million tonnes recorded in 2023-24. As a result, the industry is closely watching this changing pattern.
Health concerns are driving this decline. At present, nearly 10 crore people in India suffer from diabetes. Another 13.6 crore people are pre-diabetic. Because of this, many consumers, especially the youth, are cutting down on sugar. They are doing so to avoid type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
At the same time, people are turning to alternatives. Many households now prefer stevia, jaggery, dates, and fruits instead of refined sugar. This trend reflects a broader move toward natural and low-calorie sweeteners. However, medical experts advise caution. They warn that excessive use of artificial sweeteners may lead to other health risks, including cancer.
Meanwhile, sugar production is expected to rise. Favorable rainfall may push output to 30.95 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season. Despite higher production, the industry faces pressure. Falling domestic consumption and weak exports are major concerns. Indian sugar struggles to compete with lower-priced Brazilian sugar in global markets.
Therefore, sugar mill owners are urging the government to step in. They want the restoration of earlier ethanol production policies. Industry leaders believe this move can help manage surplus stocks and stabilize the sector in the coming years.
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