Sugar
Global Highlights
LDC is a global leader in raw and refined sugar origination, merchandizing and marketing, and among the largest sugar refiners and distributors in the US
Top 4
Worldwide Assets
Bonsucro-certified
About Sugar
Sugar is a caloric concentrated commodity produced from sugarcane or sugar beets. Sugarcane grows best in tropical areas, as it demands large quantities of sunshine and water, whereas sugar beet is produced in temperate zones.
South America and Asia dominate sugar exports. Brazil is by far the largest potential producer and exporter, but might choose to maximize ethanol production in a low sugar price environment, making global supply highly flexible.
The largest importers are China, Indonesia, the Middle East, the Black Sea region and Africa.
As both large producers and consumers, India and the EU swing from net exporters to net importers, depending on local production conditions, and have a significant influence on the world market.
Our Sugar Value Chain
Each of our business lines is integrating further across the five steps of our value chain, as we respond to the need for a traceable and responsible supply line from farmer to consumer
01Originate & Produce
01Originate & Produce
02Process & Refine
02Process & Refine
03Store & Transport
03Store & Transport
04Research & Merchandize
04Research & Merchandize
05Customize & Distribute
05Customize & Distribute
01Originate & Produce
01Originate & Produce
02Process & Refine
02Process & Refine
03Store & Transport
03Store & Transport
04Research & Merchandize
04Research & Merchandize
05Customize & Distribute
05Customize & Distribute
Our Strengths in China
China is both a large producer and consumer of sugar. LDC entered the Chinese sugar market in 2000, and has grown to be a leader in raw and white sugar merchandizing.
Sourcing raw sugar from Brazil, Thailand and other producing regions in the world, we distribute sugar to high consumption areas of China, serving both industrial and consumer segments.
Our market-leading position is supported by LDC’s fundamental understanding of global sugar markets and risk management expertise.
We have built a strong reputation as a highly reliable supplier with an extensive distribution network across consumption areas along the China Eastern Coast Corridor, forging strategic partnerships with reputable logistics service providers.
Committed to Sustainability
We support Bonsucro’s efforts to increase the adoption of its standards and practices for the responsible production of sugar.
All relevant LDC facilities and trading entities are Bonsucro-certified and, since we do not grow sugar ourselves, we take steps to promote the organization to our suppliers and to merchandize Bonsucro-certified sugar wherever possible.
In 2019, we were able to supply all customers in the US with Bonsucro-certified sugar. In the same year, we introduced a new water-saving decolorization process at our Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth (GA), US.