· 5 min read · By GN Costa Açucareira
Brazil is a central player in the global sugar trade, and its production model shapes how buyers around the world specify and purchase sugar.
From cane to grade
Sugarcane is harvested and crushed to extract juice, which is then clarified, evaporated and crystallised. How far that process is taken determines the grade: raw sugars such as VHP and VVHP stop earlier, while ICUMSA 45 is carried through full refining.
The same mill can therefore produce several grades across a season, depending on market demand.
Seasonality matters
Production follows the harvest calendar, so availability and lead times shift through the year. Buyers planning larger volumes usually start commercial conversations well before the period in which they need delivery.
What to ask a supplier
A serious commercial conversation covers the full specification, packaging, incoterm, payment instrument and documentation. Any supplier should be able to put those in writing before asking for a commitment.
