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India's Sugar Craze Fades Amid Health Crisis
2 Jan
Summary
- India's sugar consumption growth is slowing significantly.
- A diabetes epidemic is driving a shift away from sweeteners.
- Annual sugar consumption growth was 4.1% pre-COVID.
India, renowned for its love of sugary treats from jalebis to rasgullas, is experiencing a notable decline in sugar consumption. This shift is largely attributed to a burgeoning diabetes epidemic and a generational change in dietary preferences, pushing consumers toward healthier options.
Recent projections from the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) indicate a mere 1.42% rise in sucrose consumption for the current fiscal year. This marks a substantial deceleration compared to the robust 4.1% annual growth observed in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. Some industry forecasts even suggest a potential decrease in consumption starting next fiscal year.
The outlook points towards a plateauing of sugar demand in the world's second-largest sugar-producing nation. This recalibration in consumption patterns reflects growing health consciousness and a departure from traditional dietary habits centered around high sugar intake.
