Guide · Product
What is Sugar ICUMSA 45? Grades, Colour Scale & Specifications
ICUMSA 45 is refined white cane sugar with an ICUMSA colour of ≤ 45 IU and polarization ≥ 99.80% — the highest-grade, food-ready white sugar. Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter.
The ICUMSA colour scale
ICUMSA stands for the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis — the body that standardises how sugar is measured worldwide. Sugar is graded by colour, expressed in IU (ICUMSA Units): the lower the number, the whiter and more refined the sugar. ICUMSA 45 sits at the top of the scale, meaning maximum whiteness and purity.
ICUMSA 45 specification
A representative export specification for Brazilian ICUMSA 45. Final parameters are confirmed per contract and verified by independent inspection (SGS / Intertek) at loading.
ICUMSA 45 vs other sugar grades
| Grade | Colour | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| ICUMSA 45 | ≤ 45 IU | Refined white — direct consumption, food & beverage |
| ICUMSA 100–150 | 100–150 IU | White / crystal — industrial use |
| Brown (ICUMSA 600–1200) | 600–1200 IU | Brown / crystal — industrial, retail |
| VHP raw (600–1200) | 600–1200 IU | Raw, ≥ 99.4 pol — feedstock for refineries |
In short: ICUMSA 45 is consumption-ready white sugar, while VHP is raw sugar bought by refineries. If you supply food manufacturing or retail, ICUMSA 45 is the grade you want; if you operate a refinery, VHP is the feedstock.
What is ICUMSA 45 used for?
Because of its purity and neutral flavour, ICUMSA 45 is used for direct human consumption, by the food & beverage industry (soft drinks, confectionery, dairy, bakery), and for institutional and retail packing. It is the default white sugar traded internationally in 50 kg bags, 1 MT jumbo bags or in bulk.
Buying ICUMSA 45 from Brazil
Duna Trading sources Brazilian ICUMSA 45 directly from qualified mills and ships it worldwide under Incoterms 2020 (FOB · CFR · CIF), with payment by DLC / SBLC under UCP 600 and independent inspection at loading. Tell us your quantity and destination and the São Paulo desk reverts with a quotation.