We know how important it is for growers to have clear, timely information about what’s driving the sugar market. That’s why I’m pleased to advise that our annual Global Traders Roadshow is returning to North Queensland, running from 22 to 25 September.
The roadshow gives local cane growers the opportunity to hear directly from Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, alongside Bevan Patterson, our Australian Risk Manager. Together, they’ll share the latest production outlooks for Brazil, India and Thailand, as well as the demand factors influencing Australian sugar premiums.
For growers, this is more than just a market briefing – it’s a chance to understand how global shifts affect opportunities here at home. With markets as volatile as they’ve been, the insights and strategies shared at the roadshow can help you make informed pricing and marketing decisions. It’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow growers, ask questions, and speak directly with the people who trade sugar on the world stage.
In the global market, Brazil is powering ahead with its sugar harvest. UNICA’s latest figures show that more than half of the 2025-26 crop has already been processed. While production is about eight per cent behind last year, mills have significantly lifted their capacity to crystallise sugar rather than divert cane to ethanol. This shift has been driven by the strong price premium of raw sugar over ethanol in recent years, and Brazil’s maximum crystallisation capacity is now above 54 per cent of cane crushed. Despite this, lower sugar content in the cane has left most analyst forecasts steady at around 40 million tonnes of sugar for the season.
Global sugar prices remain relatively stable, with plentiful supply expected to last until year’s end. The trade isn’t showing much appetite to push prices outside the current range, leaving speculators to move the market in the short term. Analysts suggest a potential tightening of supply could emerge in early 2026.
Closer to home, I’m delighted to share that our team continues to grow. In the Herbert, Trent Johnson joined us as Relationship Manager on 1 September, working alongside Franco Zaini to support local growers. We’ve also recently welcomed Misty Bland in Proserpine and Jonathan Reichard in Plane Creek, strengthening our regional presence and ensuring every grower has access to local support.
I look forward to seeing you at the Global Traders Roadshow and introducing you to our expanding team. You can register your interest to attend by contacting your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager.
Bevan Patterson, Peter Bingham and Neil Foo visiting one of Wilmar’s farms in the Burdekin during the
2024 Global Traders Roadshow. Photo supplied
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