Over the past decade, sugar cane processing in Europe has experienced significant fluctuations. In 2023, the industry processed 1.16 million metric tons of sugar cane, marking a 1.94% decline from the previous year, reflecting a gradual decrease since 2019. Historical trends show a peak in 2017 followed by a sharp decline in 2018 and moderate recovery thereafter. The CAGR from 2014 to 2023 was 2.96%, indicating an overall upward trend despite year-on-year variations.
Future projections from 2024 to 2028 suggest a continual downward trend with an average annual decline (CAGR) of -1.75%, and an overall decrease of 8.44% over these five years. This forecast suggests diminishing returns and consolidations in the industry. Key trends to watch include technological advancements in processing efficiency, shifts in regulatory policies, and market demand dynamics that might influence production volumes. Potential challenges such as climate change impacts on crop yields and evolving consumer preferences towards alternative sweeteners could further affect the industry's trajectory.
