If you import Brazilian sugar, three terms decide what actually lands in your warehouse — VHP, ICUMSA 150 and ICUMSA 45. They are not different brands; they are grades on one refining chain. Here is how to order the right one.
The ICUMSA number is a colour rating
ICUMSA measures colour: the lower the number, the whiter and more refined the sugar. So ICUMSA 45 is whiter than ICUMSA 150, and both are far whiter than raw VHP.
VHP (Very High Polarization) — raw, bulk
VHP is the raw, refining-grade cane sugar shipped in bulk to refineries. It polarizes very high (99.3–99.5°) but carries the natural brown colour of cane. It is the lowest-cost grade and is meant to be refined.
ICUMSA 150 — directly-usable white crystal sugar
ICUMSA 150 is a directly-usable white crystal sugar — the grade most containerized white sugar shipments to Africa are written against. Grupo Bazan supplies it in 50 kg bags for importers and distributors, with current shipments to destinations such as Ghana.
ICUMSA 45 — refined, retail-ready white sugar
ICUMSA 45 is the premium, sparkling-white, fully-refined grade for direct consumption, retail packing and the food industry. It is the highest-value white sugar and the grade buyers most often request by name.
Which should you order?
- VHP — you run a refinery or want the lowest-cost bulk feedstock.
- ICUMSA 150 — you need usable white sugar in 50 kg bags for distribution.
- ICUMSA 45 — you sell refined white sugar to retail or food manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ICUMSA 45 and ICUMSA 150?
Both are white sugar; the ICUMSA number is a colour grade and lower is whiter. ICUMSA 45 is fully refined and retail-ready; ICUMSA 150 is a directly-usable white crystal sugar. Grupo Bazan's confirmed line is white crystal sugar up to ICUMSA 150 in 50 kg bags; refined ICUMSA 45 is available on request.
Which ICUMSA grade is best for the African market?
Containerized white crystal sugar at ICUMSA 150 in 50 kg bags is the common format for African buyers; refined ICUMSA 45 can be arranged on request where a premium retail-white grade is required.
Further reading
Order the right white sugar grade
Tell us your destination and the ICUMSA grade you need; our export desk replies with specifications and terms.