After hitting the lowest global sugar ending stocks in more than a dozen years, production is making a rebound. Production is expected to jump 6 percent to its highest level since 2017/18. While some of the rebound will go to the benefit of biofuel makers, most will go to human consumption. While this is to the chagrin of health experts or warn against its intake, sugar is integral to the food industry. First for its sweetness but for a variety of other attributes including serving as a preservative, a texture modifier, a fermentation substrate, for general flavoring, as a coloring agent, and a bulking agent. There are substitutes but not all are natural or as preferrable to consumers. ...
Key Takeaways: The Panama Canal’s draft restrictions and decreasing rainfall outlook are driving big moves in dry bulk markets this week. Panamax markets are sharply lower as the economics of moving freight across the Canal are deteriorating rapidly, leading to support in Supramax vessels...
Key Takeaways: Weather conditions in Europe have continued to deteriorate following both the EU MARS’ latest balance sheet update and the August WASDE, leaving “official” estimates lagging behind the reality observed on the ground. WPI’s models anticipate a 4 perc...
We have described the long-term investment climate in crop and livestock production, using data primarily from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The data provided background on the current investment climate and outlook for agricultural capital formation. Our conclusion was that investment...
From WPI Consulting
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.