India's sugar demand takes a beating over slowdown, health concerns

Global sugar consumption is expected to climb 1.3 per cent in the 2019-20 season, slightly below the five-year average, the International Sugar Organization said in a report

Sugar demand in India is starting to stagnate as economic growth in the top user slows and food manufacturers opt for alternatives, according to Meir Commodities India Pvt and Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.

The nation will consume 25 million tons to 25.2 million tons in 2019-20, little changed from the previous season, said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of Meir, a Mumbai-based trader. Demand is being hit as the food sector changes formulas away from sugar amid health concerns, according to Callum Walker, a trader at Golden Agri-Resources.

India’s economic growth is expected to slow to a six-year low in 2020, potentially threatening domestic