Introduction – Philippines’s Sugar Market in Statistical Focus
Sugar has long been a vital commodity in the Philippines, supporting both domestic consumption and international trade. As of January 2026, the country’s sugar industry is showing strong signs of recovery and growth. With raw sugar production reaching 1.95 million metric tons (MT) during the 2024–2025 crop year, this marks the highest output in four years, exceeding earlier projections of 1.78 million MT.
What’s fueling this resurgence? Strategic government initiatives. From restructuring cropping calendars and introducing higher-yielding sugarcane varieties, to better soil health programs and irrigation infrastructure, the sugar industry is reaping the benefits of long-term planning.
On the export front, the Philippines is also making waves. After a two-year hiatus, the country resumed overseas shipments, particularly to the U.S. under the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system. Notably:
- 2024: 24,179 MT shipped to the U.S.
- 2025: 66,000 MT approved for export.
- 2026: 100,000 MT greenlit for U.S. exports.
While the Philippines ranks 17th globally in sugar production, its importance in the U.S. export space is undeniable—retaining a TRQ allocation of 145,235 MT in 2026, making it the third-largest TRQ beneficiary after the Dominican Republic and Brazil.
For businesses, this data matters. Choosing the right supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about performance, reliability, and verified capacity. A data-driven approach to supplier selection ensures you’re sourcing from the best the Philippines sugar industry has to offer.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s unpack the numbers that matter.
- Raw sugar production (2024–2025): 1.95 million MT
- Growth from previous year: 1.72%
- Exports to U.S. (2026): 100,000 MT
- TRQ allocation (2026): 145,235 MT
These figures show a healthy, growing export capacity. But what about buyer interest?
On platforms like Freshdi, an increase in RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes related to sugar—particularly for Icumsa 45 refined sugar and coconut sugar—reflects this demand surge. Buyers are actively seeking verified Filipino suppliers, and Freshdi’s analytics help track these trends in real time.
Top 3 Verified Sugar Suppliers in Philippines – Proven Export Performers
Using export data, verified certifications, and buyer ratings on Freshdi, here are the top 3 sugar suppliers in the Philippines for Q4 of 2025:
1. Hamungaya Farms
Hamungaya Farms stands out for its sustainable agricultural practices and consistent export volume. With a strong domestic sourcing network and a focus on organic and raw sugar, they’ve become a preferred supplier for buyers in Europe and Southeast Asia.
- Strengths: Sustainable sourcing, consistent quality control
- Certifications: HACCP, Organic Certification
- Buyer Highlight: Praised for timely delivery and transparent communication
2. Health And Wealth
Don’t let the name fool you—Health And Wealth is a powerhouse in sugar exports, especially in the refined Icumsa 45 segment. Their processing standards meet international benchmarks, and they’ve expanded their reach into the Middle East and Africa.
- Strengths: Competitive pricing, refined sugar expertise
- Certifications: ISO 22000, Halal
- Buyer Highlight: Known for bulk order reliability and quick customs clearance
3. Hijo Superfoods, Inc.
Specializing in coconut sugar, Hijo Superfoods adds a unique twist to the sugar export landscape. With the global demand for alternative sweeteners rising, this supplier is riding the wave with innovative packaging and certified organic products.
- Strengths: Niche product range, organic coconut sugar
- Certifications: USDA Organic, EU Organic, Fairtrade
- Buyer Highlight: Highly rated for product purity and eco-conscious sourcing
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Keep in mind that platforms like Freshdi offer dynamic supplier rankings such as “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters of the Quarter.” These rankings reflect real-time trade activity, RFQ volume, and buyer reviews, making it easier for businesses to identify the top-performing partners at any given moment.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Understanding sugar isn’t just about knowing who grows it—it’s about grasping when and how to buy.
Current Sugar Variant Demand
According to Freshdi RFQ trends:
- Icumsa 45 White Refined Sugar leads in demand—especially from Middle Eastern and African buyers.
- Coconut Sugar is gaining traction in health-conscious markets like Europe and North America.
- Raw Brown Sugar remains popular among traditional buyers in Asia.
Seasonal Price Trends
Sugar prices typically spike during Q2 and Q3, aligned with lower production periods and higher domestic consumption in the Philippines. Smart buyers plan procurement in Q1 or Q4, leveraging surplus stock and lower prices.
Historical Pricing Strategy
Looking at the past three years, prices have followed a fairly predictable trend. With the help of trade statistics from Freshdi, buyers can forecast optimal purchase windows with confidence.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The Philippines sugar industry has proven its resilience and strategic growth. With production hitting four-year highs and export volumes rising steadily, this island nation is carving a stable niche in the global sugar trade.
For businesses, choosing the right supplier means diving deep into data-backed insights, not just price lists. Platforms like Freshdi give buyers the tools to:
- Analyze supplier export volumes
- Verify certifications and trade history
- Track RFQ trends and seasonal pricing
- Access real-time supplier rankings
Buyer Checklist: Choosing the Right Sugar Supplier
- ✅ Is the supplier verified on Freshdi?
- ✅ Do they have export certifications (ISO, HACCP, Organic)?
- ✅ Do they specialize in the sugar variant you need?
- ✅ Do they have positive buyer reviews?
- ✅ Are they on the latest “Top Exporters” list?
Future Outlook
With global demand for sugar projected to rise, especially in alternative and organic forms, Filipino suppliers are well-positioned to meet that demand. Government support, improved farming methods, and digital platforms like Freshdi are key enablers of this growth.
By combining real-time market intelligence with verified supplier data, Freshdi empowers you to source smarter, faster, and more reliably.
References
- Philstar – Raw sugar production hits four-year high
- Philstar – 2024 Export to US
- Philstar – 2025 Export Approval
- Philstar – 2026 Export Authorization
- Wikipedia – Sugar industry in the Philippines
- Context PH – 2026 TRQ Allocation
FAQs
1. What is the most in-demand type of sugar exported from the Philippines?
The most in-demand sugar variant right now is Icumsa 45 refined sugar, followed closely by coconut sugar due to its rising popularity in health-conscious markets.
2. When is the best time to source sugar from the Philippines?
Buy during Q1 or Q4 when production is high, and prices are more favorable. Avoid Q2 and Q3 if you’re looking to cut costs.
3. How can Freshdi help me find reliable sugar suppliers?
Freshdi offers features like supplier verification, RFQ analytics, dynamic rankings, and trade history, making it easier to choose credible, high-performing suppliers.
4. Are the top sugar suppliers certified for export?
Yes, top-performing suppliers on Freshdi usually have ISO, HACCP, Halal, and Organic certifications, depending on the sugar type and target market.
5. What makes the Philippines a competitive sugar exporter despite its modest global rank?
Strategic government support, consistent TRQ allocations to the U.S., and a growing portfolio of certified, export-ready suppliers make the Philippines a trusted source in the global sugar trade.
