Coca-Cola's sugarcane shift: States that could benefit from the beverage giant's latest move

Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola's plan to launch a new soda sweetened with cane sugar is expected to positively impact the U.S. sugarcane economy, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, which are major producers of sugarcane [1][2]. Industry Impact - The introduction of a cane sugar-sweetened product by Coca-Cola could benefit local communities in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, where sugarcane production is significant [2]. - Florida is the leading state in sugarcane production, averaging about 2.06 million tons of unrefined sugar annually from 2017 to 2021 [3]. - Louisiana produced approximately 1.782 million tons of unrefined sugar each year from 2017 to 2021, with an increase in sugarcane acreage as returns for competing crops declined [5]. - Texas has been harvesting around 36,100 acres of sugarcane annually, producing about 143,000 tons of unrefined sugar each year since 2017 [6]. Economic Considerations - The cane sugar industry has faced challenges due to the rise of high-fructose corn syrup, which became the preferred sweetener due to lower costs [10]. - The shift to high-fructose corn syrup has negatively affected local economies in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, leading to reduced production capacity and plant closures [11]. - Sugarcane production is seasonal, which creates economic challenges for workers and production facilities during off-peak times [12][13]. - If more companies follow Coca-Cola's lead, it could significantly enhance economic conditions in sugarcane-producing states, potentially increasing acreage dedicated to sugarcane and improving regional prosperity [16].