The author is a former sugar trader and touches on a few factors relating to the sugar industry: the history and industry, the trading business, and ESG issues.
He describes the history of the sugar industry, and where demand and supply come from today. Sugar is one of the most political industries, especially in places like India where it is the second largest employer (after cotton). Interestingly 55-60% of agriculture at the time of writing was not viable (but supported by the government), even though agricultural production needs to increase 70% to 2050 to meet growing demand.
He goes into the functioning of sugar (and agricultural) trading, and some of his experiences. Trading houses arbitrage, take risk, provide financing, and help get product from where its not wanted to where it needs to be. Over time, as the informational advantage has disappeared due to the internet, they have moved into production assets to give themselves an advantage.
He also describes the research and misconceptions on the health aspects of sugar. He provided some interesting, counter-intuitive data on consumption trends in the developed world. Water and human rights are two other issues facing the industry. Because sugar cane is so water intensive and is planted in areas already facing water issues it can create potential problems in the future.
He covered a lot of interesting ground but it was at a very high level, and each section has interviews with industry insiders. The book is not particularly exciting or captivating. I read this book as part of research on a sugar company and to give me context on the industry.