Sugar industry in China: R & D and policy initiatives to meet sugar and biofuel demand of future

The sugar industry in China is becoming increasingly important both domestically and internationally because of its rapid development. Significant progress has been achieved not only in sugar production, but also in the integrated utilization, developments such as productions of sugar-based products and cane by-products, and environment-friendly management of vinasse. Production of luquid fuel (ethanol) from sugarcane is also gaining much importance by the Chinese sugar industry. These developments are the result of the combined impact of governmental policies, management creativity and technological innovations. The innovations in both technologies and management strategies have improved the Chinese sugar industry dramatically in the past 15 years. The opportunities and new challenges for further progress of the Chinese sugar industry require further emphasis on developing creative managements and innovative technologies in the new era.