Dear colleagues & friends,

The Sugar Technologists Association of India (STAI) will be hosting the 34th Session of ICUMSA^® from 03-05 March 2025 at-the- state-of-the-art The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi.

It is significant that STAI is the only Association to play host to this prestigious conference in Asia as all previous events have either been held in Europe or in American Continent. The last ICUMSA^® Session held in India was - 23rd Session from 03-07 June 2002 at Pune ICUMSA^® (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis) is a worldwide body that brings together the activities of the National Committees for Sugar Analysis in more than thirty member countries. Established in 1897, it is dedicated to ensuring uniformity and accuracy in sugar analysis. It is the only international organisation concerned solely with analytical methods for the sugar industry. In addition to use by that industry, ICUMSA^® methods are recognised by authorities such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the OIML, the EU, and the US Food Chemicals Codex.

With the rising consumer awareness in the country about sugar quality and stringent laws and regulations, the industry is gradually transiting from double sulphitation process for producing high-quality sugar and establishing backend refineries. These refineries are producing EU grade I, II and pharmaceutical grade sugars with a color of as low as 10 ICUMSA^® units.

India today is the largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar globally. With a substantial 15% share in global sugar consumption and a robust 20% production rate, any fluctuation in our production and strategies significantly impact the global market. The timing of the 34th ICUMSA^® Session in India aligns perfectly with the industry's need to enhance sugar quality to meet both domestic and international demand.

This is an important event that is taking place in India after two decades, therefore, we request the members and the factory managements to depute large number of technocrats from their units to participate and share their insights at this important event!

Sanjay Awasthi
President, STAI
President, Indian National Committee of ICUMSA^®
Chairman, ISSCT