Global Brown Sugar Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Light Brown, and Dark Brown), By Application, By Form (Granules, Powder, and Other Forms), By Distribution Channel, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024 - 2031
The Global Brown Sugar Market size is expected to reach $53.6 billion by 2031, rising at a market growth of 12.9% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2023, the market attained a volume of 5472.24 Kilo Tonnes experiencing a growth of 10.7% (2020-2023).
The Asia Pacific region witnessed 36% revenue share in this market in 2023. This dominance can be attributed to several factors, including the region’s large population, diverse culinary traditions, and the widespread use of this sugar in various traditional and modern recipes. Countries such as China, India, and Indonesia have high consumption levels of this sugar due to its importance in daily cooking and its use in popular local dishes and desserts. Thus, the region acquired the volume of 2800.04 Kilo Tonnes in 2023.
The growing awareness of the negative health impacts of refined sugar has led consumers to seek natural alternatives, driving the demand for this sugar. This sugar is often perceived as a healthier option due to its minimal processing, retaining some molasses, which contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. This perception and its more natural image align with the increasing consumer preference for organic, unrefined products in the food and beverage sector. In conclusion, increasing consumer demand for natural and healthier alternatives to refined sugar is driving the market's growth.
Additionally, The growing trend of home baking, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly impacted on the demand for this sugar. As consumers experiment more with homemade pastries, cakes, cookies, and other sweet products, this sugar has gained popularity due to its flavor profile and moist texture. It adds depth and richness to baked goods, making it a preferred choice over refined sugar. Hence, the rising popularity of home baking and cooking is driving the market's growth.
However, The high cost of production is one of the major obstacles impeding the market expansion for this sugar. Unlike refined sugar, which is produced through a highly automated and efficient process, the production of this sugar requires additional steps and more manual labor to retain molasses, making it more costly. This higher production cost is often passed on to the consumer, making this sugar less attractive in price-sensitive markets. Hence, high production costs and limited availability of raw materials are impeding the market's growth.
Product Type Outlook
Based on product type, the brown sugar market is divided into light brown and dark brown. The dark brown segment held 37% revenue share in this market in 2023. Dark brown sugar is characterized by its deeper color and richer molasses content, which imparts a more robust flavor. This type of sugar is particularly popular in recipes that require a stronger molasses flavor, such as gingerbread, barbecue sauces, and certain types of cookies and cakes. In terms of volume, the segment would register 5,472.24 Kilo Tonnes in 2023.
Application Outlook
On the basis of application, the brown sugar market is segmented into bakery & confectionery, beverages, dairy, and others. In 2023, the beverages segment attained 25% revenue share in this market. This sugar is increasingly used in various beverages to impart a unique, rich sweetness and depth of flavor. It is commonly used in hot drinks such as coffee and tea, sweetening and enhancing the overall taste profile.
Form Outlook
By form, the brown sugar market is divided into granules, powder, and others. The powder segment procured 18% revenue share in this market in 2023. Powdered brown sugar, also known as brown sugar powder, is favored for its fine texture, which allows it to dissolve quickly and blend seamlessly into recipes. This form is particularly useful in applications where a smooth consistency is desired, such as in baking, confectionery, and certain beverages. In terms of volume, the segment would register 5,472.24 Kilo Tonnes in 2023.
Distribution Channel Outlook
Based on distribution channel, the brown sugar market is categorized into hypermarkets & supermarkets, specialty retailers, online, and others. The online segment witnessed 25% revenue share in this market in 2023. The growing popularity of e-commerce platforms has transformed how consumers purchase groceries, including this sugar. Online shopping offers unmatched convenience, allowing customers to order products from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered directly to their doorsteps.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the brown sugar market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2023, the North America region generated 30% revenue share in this market. The strong performance in this region is driven by the high demand for this sugar in the food and beverage industry, particularly in baking and confectionery. North American consumers have a strong preference for natural and organic ingredients, which has increased the popularity of this sugar as a healthier alternative to white sugar.
List of Key Companies Profiled
- Cargill, Incorporated
- Tate & Lyle PLC
- Wilmar International Limited
- Associated British Foods PLC (Wittington Investments Limited)
- American International Foods, Inc.
- Südzucker AG
- Ragus Sugars Manufacturing limited
- Louis Dreyfus Company B.V.
- Organic Tattva
Global Brown Sugar Market Report Segmentation
By Product Type (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
By Application (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Beverages
- Dairy
- Other Applications
By Form (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- Granules
- Powder
- Other Forms
By Distribution Channel (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Specialty Retailers
- Online
- Other Distribution Channel
By Geography (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Billion, 2020-2031)
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- Malaysia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Argentina
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of LAMEA