Cane sugar supply
Brazil is central to many international cane sugar programmes. A3 coordinates refined, crystal and raw/VHP options against the required ICUMSA range, application, packing, shipment window and destination.
Creating a seamless flow in global sugar markets.
A3 acts as a strategic partner in the international sugar trade, connecting supply and demand effectively across cane and beet sugar markets.
We manage the entire value chain, from sourcing at origin and technical specification matching to logistics, finance and final delivery.
Cane, beet and flexible supply routes
Sugar programmes differ by feedstock, origin, grade, packing and destination. A3 aligns these variables around the buyer’s application and delivery requirements.
Beet sugar supply
European beet sugar provides a white-sugar route for food, beverage, bakery and industrial buyers. Producer availability, grade, packing and documentation are confirmed for each programme.
Packing & shipment formats
Depending on grade and supplier route, sugar may be supplied in export bags, big bags, retail formats or bulk. Labelling, palletisation, loading method and destination documents are aligned before shipment.
Sugar key facts
A current view of the scale and origin structure shaping international sugar supply.
Global production
USDA FAS forecasts global sugar production at 184.9 million metric tons, raw value, in 2026/27.
Brazil’s export scale
Brazil remains the leading sugar exporter, with 33.6 million metric tons, raw value, forecast for 2026/27.
Beet sugar’s global role
The European Commission estimates that beet sugar represents about 20% of world production, while cane sugar accounts for the other 80%.
Choosing the right sugar grade
ICUMSA values help buyers compare sugar colour, but colour is only one part of grade selection. Application, supplier specification and certificate of analysis should be considered together.
What the ICUMSA value tells you
ICUMSA colour describes the colour of a sugar solution and is expressed in ICUMSA Units (IU). It is a laboratory colour measurement, not a complete quality score.
How to read the number
Within comparable specifications, lower ICUMSA Unit values generally indicate a lighter sugar solution, while higher values indicate more colour. The result should be read together with the stated test method and supplier specification.
Colour is not the whole specification
Grade selection also depends on polarisation, moisture, ash, granulation, reducing sugars, packing and destination requirements. An ICUMSA colour value alone cannot confirm whether a sugar is suitable for a particular process.
Matching grades to applications
Within A3’s current range, ICUMSA 45 supports lighter finished applications, 150 broader food manufacturing, 600–1200 raw/VHP and refining routes, and 60–100 white beet programmes. Final selection follows the supplier specification and certificate of analysis.
Technical specifications
Compare the main indicative sugar grade values before requesting a quotation.
| Parameter | ICUMSA 45White refined cane sugar | ICUMSA 150Crystal cane sugar | ICUMSA 600-1200Brown raw cane sugar | ICUMSA 60-100White beet sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial form | Refined white cane sugar | Crystal cane sugar | Raw or less-refined brown cane sugar | White beet sugar |
| Moisture | 0.04% max. | 0.10% max. | 0.15% max. | 0.06% max. |
| Ash content | 0.04% max. | 0.10% max. | 0.15% max. | 0.08% max. |
| Polarisation | 99.8° min. | 99.5° min. | 97.8° to 99.2° | 99.8° min. |
| Solubility | 100% dry and free flow | 100% dry and free flow | 95% dry and free flow | 100% dry and free flow |
| Radiation | Normal certified | Normal certified | Normal certified | Normal certified |
| Colour | Sparkling white | Sparkling white | Brown | White at 20° |
| Granulation | Fine | Fine | 6 mm regular size | Fine |
ICUMSA 45White refined cane sugar
Commercial formRefined white cane sugar
Moisture0.04% max.
Ash content0.04% max.
Polarisation99.8° min.
Solubility100% dry and free flow
RadiationNormal certified
ColourSparkling white
GranulationFine
Integrated Value Chain Services
Beyond sourcing, A3 coordinates the commercial and operational steps required to move cane and beet sugar from origin to destination. Grade selection, supplier specifications, quality documents, packing, commercial terms and shipment milestones are reviewed as one connected programme.
Crop outlooks, origin availability and grade-specific market context help buyers compare cane and beet sugar sourcing routes before defining a procurement programme.
Related categories
Continue exploring product families that may fit the same sourcing programme.
For sugar enquiries
Contact A3 to discuss product grade, packing, volume and destination requirements.