After two years of surplus, the European Union is once again a net sugar importer. According to the latest estimates, production in 2025 fell 8% year-over-year, forcing Europe to make up the gap with imports. Of concern is the sharp increase in prices, up 18% compared to last year, which risks putting pressure on the confectionery industry, particularly the Italian one.
Made in Italy only meets 15% of domestic demand, while the remaining 85% of national production is absorbed by confectionery companies, which now fear repercussions on costs and margins. Despite this, domestic consumption remains stable, a sign that sugar, despite being a strategic raw material, has a limited impact on the final price for the consumer.
The price increase, however, is part of a broader context of difficulties for the European agri-food sector, already impacted by extreme weather events and geopolitical instability. The industry is calling for interventions to ensure regular supplies and policies to support the supply chain.
