Archive · 15 Sep 2025
Low-Income Groups to Drive Demand for Branded Sugar
A new report says that people with lower incomes in India will likely buy more packaged sugar than those with higher incomes in the coming years.
The study, done by the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association, suggests that this will lead to a growth in demand for branded sugar and other traditional sweeteners like jaggery.
The report also found that most of the sugar is used by businesses like restaurants and food makers, not just homes.
The average Indian eats about 20 kg of sugar each year, which is a bit less than the global average.
The sugar market is expected to grow, and production should increase as well.
The Isma study projects modest overall sugar consumption growth (1.5-2%) in India from 2024-25 to 2029-30.
Low-income groups are expected to show higher consumption growth in branded refined sugar.
The study classified high-income households as those with $15,000+ annual per capita income.
Institutional consumption (e.g., restaurants) dominates sugar demand, comprising 60-65% in 2023-24.
India's average annual sugar consumption is around 20 kg per person, below the global average.
- Who
- Low-income groups and Isma
- What
- Increased demand for branded sugar, according to a new study.
- When
- Projected from the 2024-25 to 2029-30 sugar seasons.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Low-income households are expected to have a higher growth rate in consumption of branded sugar.
- Study Author
- Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (Isma)
- Report Title
- 'Sweetening The Future: A study on Sugar Consumption in India'
- Sugar Season
- October to September
- Low-Income Households
- Annual per capita income of $1,000 or less
- High-Income Households
- Annual per capita income of $15,000 or more
- Middle-Income Households
- Annual per capita income of $3,000
- Annual Sugar Consumption (India)
- Around 20 kg per person