Wed, 23 Jul 2025

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 The big winner from Coca-Cola's Trump-inspired sugar push

The sugar industry has long been protected and now Trump has given it another shot in the arm by pressing Coca Cola.

* Jordan Hayes, a Californian, was surprised to learn that he and Donald Trump share an opinion on Coke: cane sugar is better than corn syrup.
* Trump has been a long-time supporter of the sugar industry, which has donated heavily to his campaigns and received favorable policies from his administration.
* The sugar industry benefits from high tariffs and price guarantees, making it more expensive for American consumers but yielding billions in profits for producers.
* Coca-Cola has announced that it will start selling Coke made with cane sugar in the US this autumn, which is expected to increase demand for sugar and benefit farmers.
* Industry experts note that while the move may not lead to a wholesale shift away from corn syrup, it will still have significant effects on the industry.
* Some corn farmers in Iowa are concerned about the potential impact on their livelihoods and jobs.
* The decision has been seen as unusual given Trump's support for American jobs and his previous championing of corn growers.
* Critics argue that the move is influenced by large donations from sugar industry groups to Trump-backed organizations.
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