This Wednesday (11) and Thursday (12), Ribeirão Preto was the stage for DATAGRO Opening of the Sugarcane, Sugar and Ethanol Harvest, a benchmark event for the sugar and ethanol sector, which kicked off the 2026/27 sugarcane harvest in the Center-South region of Brazil.
This year marked the 10th edition of the event, bringing together more than 1,600 people, including sugarcane producers, mill agents, and service providers. In total, more than 16 hours of content were presented.
They were present Plinio Nastari, president of DATAGRO; Caroline Perestrelo, executive superintendent of corporate agriculture at Santander; Vinicius Lopes, commercial director for sugarcane at Koppert; Luiz Gustavo Wiechorek, general coordinator of sugarcane at the Ministry of Agriculture (Mapa); José Guilherme Nogueira, CEO of Orplana; Guilherme Nolasco, president of the National Union of Corn Ethanol, among others.
In this edition, the second day of the event featured a new addition: six workshops on agro-industrial topics were held, moderated by the team from [organization name]. DATAGRO High Performance. Check out this new feature here.
See below what was discussed in each panel.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony highlighted the strengthening of the Brazilian sugarcane and energy sector in the face of an increasingly complex global environment. Experts emphasized that geopolitical crises, trade disputes, and the need to accelerate the decarbonization of the economy have amplified the strategic importance of biofuels.
Brazil has been highlighted as an international benchmark in the sustainable production of energy from sugarcane. Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of consistent public policies, investments in technology, and regulatory stability to sustain the sector’s growth.
Panel 1
In the first panel of the event, DATAGRO presented its estimates for the 2026/27 harvest in the Center-South region of Brazil. The projections indicate that sugarcane crushing should reach… 635 million tons, a 4% increase compared to the previous season, reflecting the recovery in agricultural productivity and improved conditions in the sugarcane fields.
Sugar production is expected to remain relatively stable at 40.7 million tons, while ethanol is likely to gain ground in the mills’ mix. Analysts highlighted that weather factors, production costs, and international prices will continue to influence the sector’s production decisions.
Panel 2
The second panel brought together international traders to discuss the main trends in the global sugar trade. Among the topics discussed were the expansion of production in India. – but it should fall below what was initially projected. –, the reduction in the Thai harvest and the impacts of trade policies and tariffs on the global flow of the commodity.
Experts highlighted that the international market remains sensitive to political and climate decisions in major producing countries. Changes in Indian exports, for example, could significantly alter the balance between global supply and demand.
Panel 3
The third panel discussed the advancement of corn ethanol in Brazil, especially in the Central-West region. According to experts, the expansion of this industry has altered the price level of a sack of corn, creating a new source of domestic demand for the grain.
Participants also highlighted that corn ethanol production complements the sugarcane supply chain, expanding the availability of biofuels in the country and strengthening Brazilian energy security.
Panel 4
The panelists emphasized that Brazil has maintained a consistent track record of supporting biofuels over the past few decades. During the debate, it was highlighted that programs such as RenovaBio, the Fuel of the Future, and other regulatory initiatives have consolidated the country as a global leader in renewable energy.
Authorities further emphasized that Brazilian energy policy seeks to combine security of supply, emissions reduction, and economic competitiveness, creating a favorable environment for new investments in the ethanol and bioenergy chain.
Panel 5
In the fifth panel, experts analyzed how Latin American sugarcane-producing countries have been diversifying their production chains. In addition to traditional sugar, many regions have invested in ethanol, bioelectricity, and new bioproducts derived from biomass.
This diversification aims to reduce market risks and increase value capture throughout the supply chain. The panel also highlighted that Brazil continues to be a technological benchmark for the region, especially in agricultural and industrial efficiency and in the development of renewable energy solutions.
Panel 6
The sixth panel discussed the possibility of using biofuels in maritime transport, one of the most challenging sectors in the global decarbonization process.
Experts have pointed out that ethanol and other renewable fuels can play a significant role in reducing emissions from maritime transport, as international environmental regulations become more stringent. Although technological and logistical challenges remain, the sector believes this could be a new growth frontier for Brazilian biofuels.
Panel 7
The seventh panel addressed the potential impacts of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union on the Brazilian sugar market. Although well underway, the agreement still depends on progress in political negotiations and the harmonization of trade and environmental regulations.
According to experts, the treaty could expand agricultural trade between the blocs, with free trade encompassing approximately 720 million people and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over US$22 trillion.
Panel 8
The eighth panel addressed the use of ethanol as an energy source for agricultural machinery. Companies in the sector highlighted advances in the development of ethanol-powered engines for agricultural equipment, which could reduce emissions and operating costs on rural properties.
Technology still faces challenges related to infrastructure and equipment adaptation, but experts believe that ethanol could become a relevant alternative for sustainable agricultural mechanization in the coming years.
Panel 9
The ninth panel highlighted the role of technology and digitalization in the management of sugarcane processing plants. According to the executives, the use of digital tools, data analysis, and automation are a reality in the producer’s life and essential for… increase operational efficiency and improve strategic decision-making..
Digital transformation also contributes to increasing the competitiveness of companies, allowing for better cost control and greater integration between agricultural and industrial production.
Panel 10
The tenth panel addressed strategies for improving sugarcane productivity through efficient pest management. Experts highlighted the importance of constant monitoring and the adoption of biological control technologies to reduce losses and increase productive efficiency. Integrated pest management was identified as a fundamental tool to ensure sustainability and profitability in sugarcane production.
Panel 11
The eleventh panel discussed the growing importance of credit ratings for sugar mills as a financial assessment tool in the sugar and ethanol sector.
These indicators are being increasingly used by investors, financial institutions, and business partners to assess risks and guide business decisions. Greater transparency and standardization of financial information in the sector tends to facilitate access to credit and stimulate new investments.
Panel 12
Closing the program, the twelfth panel analyzed the production costs of the next harvest, which are expected to be pressured by the increase in diesel and fertilizer prices, requiring greater operational efficiency and risk management strategies.
Despite cost pressures, participants highlighted that global demand for sugar and biofuels remains favorable, supporting positive prospects for the sector.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.