Commodity - Sugar surges. could it hurt Coca-Cola's margins?

Byline: S. KAMAL HAYDER KAZMI

Sugar is used in food, beverage, and biofuel production, and its importance in global trade gives it a strong position in the commodity futures market. The price of sugar has surged 17 percent since the beginning of January 2021.

Brazil is a key sugarcane producer and exporter, and its lower production levels have recently affected sugar prices. In May, Brazilian mills reportedly had to cancel sugar export contracts as they shifted to ethanol production, seeking to capitalize on high energy prices. Brazil supplies half of the world's sugar, producing 654.8 million tonnes of sugarcane, 41.25 million tonnes of processed sugar, and 29.7 billion liters of ethanol annually.

Thailand rice production, exports to rise

The La Nina weather phenomenon will provide plentiful precipitation and water supplies for rice farmers in Thailand, yielding 20 million tonnes of rice in marketing year 2022-23, a 2 percent increase over...