Rise in sugar prices take a toll on West Bengal’s sweet industry ahead of festive season

A surge in sugar prices has dealt a significant blow to West Bengal's sweet industry, especially as the festive season approaches. The cost of sugar has jumped from around ₹48 to between ₹68 and ₹70 per kilo, prompting some manufacturers to hike the prices of their sweets marginally. Pramod Kumar Singh, secretary of the Burdwan Sitabhog Mihidana Traders Welfare Association, warned that if sugar prices continue to rise, it could have a severe impact on the sector.

West Bengal is renowned for its sweets, with eight varieties having been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, including Nalen Gur Sandesh, Rasagolla, and Burdwan Mihidana. The cost of Rasagolla has risen by ₹1 to ₹2 per piece, and Sitabhog's price has climbed from ₹240 to ₹270 per kilo. Sweet manufacturers explain that sugar constitutes about 30% of the production cost, and they consume around 600 kilos of sugar and 3500 liters of milk per kilo of sweet.

While the prices of LPG and milk have also increased, sweet manufacturers have not yet raised the prices of sweets. However, if the sugar prices do not decrease or rise further, they may be compelled to increase the prices of sweets ahead of the festive season. The festive season, which begins in October and continues until November, is a crucial period for the sweet industry in West Bengal.