Guide · Grades

ICUMSA 45 vs VHP Raw Sugar: Which Grade Do You Need?

The most common question from new sugar buyers: ICUMSA 45 or VHP? The short answer — ICUMSA 45 is refined, VHP is raw. Which one you need depends entirely on what you do with it.

ICUMSA 45 — refined white sugar

Colour ≤ 45 IU, polarization ≥ 99.80%. It's the whitest, purest commercial grade — consumption-ready and used directly by the food & beverage industry, institutions and retail. No further processing needed.

VHP — Very High Polarization raw sugar

Colour 600–1200 IU, polarization ≥ 99.4%. It's raw sugar — the feedstock refineries buy in bulk and process into white sugar. Cheaper per tonne than refined, but not for direct consumption.

Side by side

 ICUMSA 45VHP raw
Colour≤ 45 IU600–1200 IU
Polarization≥ 99.80%≥ 99.40%
StateRefined, consumption-readyRaw, for refining
Typical buyerFood industry, retailRefineries

How to choose

Run or supply a refinery? Buy VHP raw sugar. Supply food manufacturing, institutions or retail? Buy ICUMSA 45. We supply both grades from Brazil.

Request a quotation

Duna Trading sources Brazilian ICUMSA 45 and VHP sugar and ships worldwide under Incoterms 2020, with DLC/SBLC payment (UCP 600) and SGS/Intertek inspection at loading. Tell us your grade, quantity and destination port and the São Paulo desk reverts with a quotation.

Guide · Grades

ICUMSA 45 vs VHP — FAQ

Is VHP the same as ICUMSA 45?

No. VHP is raw sugar (colour 600–1200 IU, pol ≥ 99.4%) used as feedstock by refineries. ICUMSA 45 is refined white sugar (colour ≤ 45 IU) ready for consumption.

Which grade should a refinery buy?

VHP raw sugar — it is the feedstock refineries process into white sugar.

Which grade for food manufacturing or retail?

ICUMSA 45 refined white sugar — consumption-ready, neutral in colour and flavour.