F.O. Licht’s 11th European Sugar Conference 2008
Brussels, May 07 2008
Maximising Profits in a Volatile Market: 18 - 19 June 2008, Renaissance Hotel, Brussels
Comparatively low-priced sugar may have been a late starter in the global commodities boom that started in early 2007, but it has been among the strongest markets in the first quarter of 2008. Fears over the state of the US economy have prompted hedge funds and other institutional investors to switch from unsettled equity and government bond markets and to pour money into a thus far neglected part of the commodities sector: sugar.
This has pushed world sugar prices upwards despite a large global surplus and cemented the link between equities, bonds and agricultural commodities. In addition, a rise in freight rates, high oil prices, ongoing implementation of the EU Sugar Reform, and the re-emergence of India as a sugar exporter are also having an impact on world trade flows.
In the European Union, the quota sell-back scheme has finally picked up speed in the third year of the EU Sugar Reform, as producers have sold back slightly more than 20% of their quota for 2008/09 - more than the combined total from the first two years. EU sugar production is therefore expected to drop significantly in 2008/09 and analysts are warning that it could reach the lowest level in decades.
These issues and more will be discussed at F.O. Licht's 11th European Sugar Conference, to be held in Brussels on 18-19 June, 2008. A panel of expert speakers from across the sugar industry will discuss crop outlooks, opportunities within the sector and offer their insights into what lies ahead for the coming season.
Ends --
For more information, please contact Jerome Tosoni:
Jerome.tosoni@informa.com
T: +44 (0)20 7017 7496
