This month’s CFA Briefer takes a closer look at the Philippine sugar industry, examining its current landscape and the factors shaping its development. As the sector navigates changing market conditions and evolving industry demands, understanding its production dynamics and areas for improvement is essential to identifying opportunities for growth and strengthening its position in the Philippine economy.
By Jaru Jerico S. Olivares, Agribusiness Specialist, Center for Food and Agri Business, UA&P
THE PHILIPPINE SUGAR INDUSTRY is crucial not only for household consumption and food manufacturing but also important for other industries through its by-products. While sugarcane is processed into raw and refined sugar, molasses is also produced, which is an ingredient for bioethanol production, animal feed, and other industrial applications. The sugar industry also provides livelihoods to farmers, millers, and other stakeholders in its value chain. It is also one of the few industries where local production still dominates the country’s supply.
Sugar production is mostly concentrated in Negros Island Region, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. Despite an established production and milling base, the Philippines’ sugar industry still faces challenges involving production cost, productivity, milling efficiency, and importation.
In order to ensure the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the industry, the opportunities and challenges in strengthening the entire value chain from cultivation to the utilization of by-products must be explored.
Do you want to read the full article? Please answer this form, and we will send the article to your email address.