New Delhi: India’s sugar sales and consumption have dropped significantly over the past few years.

The country’ sugar production declined 18.38% to 25.82 million tonnes till July this year.

According to National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSFL), the major sugar producing states have reported lower output in recent years.

Utar Pradesh, India’s largest sugar producer, saw output fall to 9.27 million tonnes till July from 10.36 million tonnes a year earlier, as per NFCSFL.

According to a report by Business Standard, India’s sugar consumption in 2024-25 sugar year is projected to be at 28 million tonnes, down by around 1.5 million tonnes from the previous year, suggesting drop in the product’s demand in the country.

The domestic sales quota for the first four months of this year (sugar season 2024-25) is 0.7 million tonnes lower, according to the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (Isma).

Notably, the consumer behavior shift  is likely due to the public awareness and the product’s strong link with other health conditions, leading to the present market scenario.