According to Rabobank’s food and agribusiness research and advisor team, global sugar consumption is expected to increase from 166 million tons to 203 million tons in the next seven years with global production expected to increase from 180 million tons to 204 million tons by 2020- just marginally above the predicted consumption. Asia will lead the growth – growing at 2.9% annually, however, Africa will see the greatest upward trend, growing by 3.4% annually. Driving the rise in consumption are higher incomes, urbanization and population growth. Brazil, Thailand, and Argentina will remain the world’s top three exporters with each increasing their share of exports. U.S. sugar production is expected to remain steady as per capita consumption is expected to decline, however increase in population will more than make up for this decline. Total U.S. sugar consumption is expected to increase 8% from 10.4 million tons to 11.2 million tons.