It is reported by BusinessMirror.

Raw-sugar demand during the period was pegged at 285 046 tonnes, 1.84% lower than last year’s 290 380 tonnes. The SRA data showed that the number of sugarcane milled during the period reached 860 574 tonnes, 18,78% lower than the 1,059 million tonnes recorded in the same period last year.

Only seven mills have started milling as of October 15. These are Biscom, First Farmers, Hawaiian, La Carlota, Sagay, URC-Sonedco and Victorias. The bulk of the 67 810 tonnes, or about 45,47%, was produced by Victorias Milling, which started milling since September 20.

Refined-sugar production more than tripled to 17 564,60 tonnes, from 5 468 tonnes recorded in the same period last year.

According to the forecasts, Philippine sugar consumption would increase by 50 000 tonnes — to 2,25 million tonnes next year.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila said the increasing demand of a growing population for food and beverages would also boost sugar consumption in marketing year 2017/18.

Consumption of cane sugar should approach 2,2 million tonnes in MY 2016/17, from 2,14 million tonnes in the previous marketing year.