Recent Developments in the U.S. Sugar Industry

Raw cane sugar for the U. S. market is produced in Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands and in many foreign countries. Most of it, however, is refined at mainland refineries located in coastal cities. Beet sugar, all in refined form, is produced in factories located in 15 western and midwestern States from beets grown in 22 States. The level of technological development, particularly in the production of sugar cane, varies widely among producing areas, depending on socio-economic factors peculiar to each area. Some areas have progressed rapidly in recent years, while others have continued to lag. This report considers recent shifts of supply of sugar for the United States, technological developments in producing, refining, and handling sugar, and the growing importance of alternative sweeteners.