Why is India's sugar consumption decreasing?

India's sugar consumption is decreasing due to a widespread diabetes epidemic and changing generational dietary habits.

What was India's annual sugar consumption growth before COVID?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, India's annual sugar consumption growth was approximately 4.1%.

What is the projected sugar consumption growth for this fiscal year in India?

For the current fiscal year, India's sugar consumption growth is expected to be around 1.42%.

Home / Business and Economy / India's Sugar Craze Fades Amid Health Crisis

India's Sugar Craze Fades Amid Health Crisis

2 Jan

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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's Sugar Craze Fades Amid Health Crisis

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.