UNICA members are responsible for 54% of Brazil’s sugar production, which is primarily destined to the food industry—both for direct consumption and as an ingredient in processed foods—as well as to the beverage and pharmaceutical sectors.
In the 2024/2025 harvest season, Brazil produced 44 million tons of sugar, with the Center-South region contributing over 90% of that total (40 million tons), marking the second-largest output in the country’s history.
History of sugar production
by the Center-South mills
Millions of Tons
Types of Sugar
Demerara
Sugar
Demerara sugar undergoes minimal refining and contains no chemical additives, giving it its characteristic light brown crystals. It has a high nutritional value, similar to brown sugar.
Refined Sugar
ICUMSA 45
Also known as white sugar, ICUMSA 45 sugar undergoes a refining process that preserves the sucrose and makes it white, flavorful, and easy to dissolve. The term Icumsa refers to an international standard for purity and whiteness.
Crystal White
Sugar
Characterized by its large, transparent crystals, this sugar undergoes light refining and dissolves more slowly in water. It is especially well-suited for culinary applications.
Organic
Sugar
Produced using certified organic farming practices, organic sugar contains the same number of calories as regular sugar but retains some of the natural nutrients found in sugarcane. Since it is unrefined, it has a thicker texture and a darker appearance.
VHP Sugar
This is raw sugar, still with the honey layer covering the sugar crystals, giving it a darker color. The main exported type, VHP (Very High Polarization) sugar is used as a raw material for other types of sugar and industrial processes.
VVHP Sugar
Similar to VHP sugar, VVHP sugar is primarily used as a raw material in sugar refineries and is not intended for direct consumer use. It features an even higher polarization level than VHP, typically around 99.6%, indicating greater purity. The acronym VVHP stands for “Very Very High Polarization.”
Main Destinations
of Brazilian Sugar
As the world’s largest sugar producer, Brazil accounts for over 50% of global sugar trade – a leading position it has maintained for more than 30 years. In the 2024/25 harvest season, the country produced over 44 million tons of sugar, exporting 35.1 million tons.
More than 100 countries produce sugar from sugarcane.
How Sugar is Produced
