People across the world are more inclined to using molasses instead of sugar as a sweetener because of its multiple health benefits. A byproduct of the sugar-making process, it offers unique health benefits such as relief from headaches, constipation, anemia, diabetes, stress, obesity, cancer, and skin ailments. Although molasses are formed as a byproduct of the sugar-making process, various other types of molasses exist such as blackstrap molasses, sulfured molasses, unsulfured molasses, and hydrol. A recent report from SpendEdge states that the rising popularity of molasses can be attributed to increasing consumer preference for clean-label products in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, such preference for clean-label products is urging the molasses suppliers to manufacture products that do not contain artificial additives, preservatives, stabilizers, enhancers, and thickeners.
Top 5 Molasses Suppliers
Imperial Sugar
One of the leading molasses suppliers, Imperial Sugar is a US-based sugar producer established in 1843. It also manufactures molasse crystals that can be used in dry mixes, candy bars, cream centers, beverages, toppings, cereals, and pie fillings. Imperial Sugar is involved in the production, processing, refining, transportation, customization, and distribution of commodities with Europe and MEA being its largest trading hub.
ED&F MAN
ED&F MAN was founded by James Man in 1783 as a sugar cooperage and brokerage, in the UK. Apart from its involvement in sourcing, storing, and distributing of agricultural commodities, the company aids customers in managing pricing risk through financial products. One of the key molasses suppliers, they source four million tonnes of molasses from more than 50 countries to enable industrial companies to use it in fertilizers, renewable energy, fermentation, construction, and treatment of waste.
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Archer Daniels Midland Company was founded by John Daniels in 1902. It is a global food processing and commodities trading corporation operating more than 270 plants and 420 crop procurement facilities worldwide. One of the top molasses suppliers its product line includes Dri-mol molasses powder, Dri-Mol 604 dry molasses powder, Sweet’n’Neat 4000 dry molasses powder, Sweet’n’Neat 65 spray-dried molasses powder, and De-Mol® dry molasses powder.
B&G FOODS
Bloch & Guggenheimer, popularly known as B&G Foods, started out in 1889 by selling pickles in the street of Manhattan. Their product Grandma’s Molasses is one of the leading premium-quality molasses sold in the US. Bear Creek, Green Giant, Ortega, Baker’s Joy, and Wrights are some of the other brands owned by the company. The company reported revenues of US$1.39 billion for the year 2016.
PETER CREMER
Peter Cremer is a German manufacturer of agricultural commodities, raw and basic materials, and oleochemicals. The company is involved in the trading of molasses in over 40 countries. Apart from being one of the notable molasses suppliers, the company also deals in maize, rice, barley, wheat, and oleochemicals.
Here are the leading exporting and importing countries of Molasses
The leading exporting and importing countries of molasses can vary depending on the specific time period and market conditions. However, historically, some of the prominent countries involved in the global trade of molasses include Brazil, Thailand, India, the United States, and Australia.
- Brazil has been a major player in the molasses export market. The country has a significant sugarcane industry, and molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. Brazil’s favorable climate and large-scale sugarcane cultivation contribute to its substantial molasses exports.
- Thailand is another significant exporter of molasses. The country has a thriving sugarcane industry, and molasses is derived from the processing of sugarcane. Thailand’s strategic location and efficient production processes enable it to export molasses to various regions around the world.
- India is known for its substantial production and export of molasses. The country has a significant sugarcane industry, and molasses is a valuable byproduct. India’s large population and agricultural resources contribute to its position as a leading exporter of molasses.
- The United States is both an exporter and importer of molasses. While it produces molasses domestically, it also imports molasses from other countries to meet its industrial and agricultural needs. The United States has a diverse range of industries that utilize molasses, including the production of alcoholic beverages, animal feed, and industrial applications.
- Australia is another notable player in the global molasses trade. The country has a well-established sugarcane industry, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales. Australia exports molasses to various countries, primarily for animal feed and agricultural purposes.
Read more about the top molasses suppliers along with procurement best practices, cost modeling, risk analysis, sourcing strategies and procurement best practices in SpendEdge’s upcoming report on the global molasses market.