VHP sugar — short for Very High Polarization raw sugar — is the workhorse of the global sugar trade. It is the raw, refining-grade cane sugar that Brazil ships in bulk to refineries across Asia, the Middle East and beyond, where it is turned into the white sugar that reaches consumers and food manufacturers.
What "Very High Polarization" actually means
Polarization is a measure of sucrose purity. The higher the polarization, the more pure sucrose the sugar contains. VHP sugar polarizes higher than standard raw sugar — typically in the 99.3–99.5° range — which means a refinery recovers more white sugar per tonne and processes it more efficiently.
Because it is a raw sugar, VHP still carries the natural colour of cane molasses. It is not a finished white product; it is an input. Refineries decolourize and crystallize it into ICUMSA 45 white sugar to their own specification.
Why refineries prefer Brazilian VHP
- High, consistent polarization that improves refining yield.
- Reliable bulk availability from a large, harvest-driven origin.
- Efficient logistics through major Brazilian sugar ports.
- A mature export ecosystem with established documentation and quality norms.
For a refinery, the economics are simple: a higher-polarization, well-handled raw sugar means more white sugar out the door and fewer processing losses. That is why VHP from Brazil is a global benchmark feedstock.
VHP vs. crystal vs. refined white
Crystal sugar is a directly-usable Brazilian product, lighter in colour than VHP but not fully refined to white-sugar standards. Refined white (ICUMSA 45) is the finished consumer product. VHP sits at the start of that chain: the bulk raw material refineries buy to make everything downstream.
What buyers should confirm per contract
Commercial specifics — exact polarization, colour, moisture, packaging (bulk vessel or big-bags), minimum order quantity, Incoterms and lead time — are agreed per shipment. When you request a quote, ask for the current specification sheet so your refining team can model yield before committing.
Frequently asked questions
What polarization does VHP sugar have?
VHP raw sugar typically polarizes around 99.3–99.5°, higher than standard raw sugar. The exact contracted figure is confirmed per shipment on the specification sheet.
What ICUMSA range does VHP meet?
VHP is a raw, refining-grade sugar; its colour is reported in the contract rather than as a fixed retail ICUMSA grade. Refineries decolourize it to ICUMSA 45 white sugar.
Why buy VHP instead of refined white sugar?
Refineries and large industrial users buy VHP as feedstock to run their own refining and control the final product. It ships economically in bulk and is the standard Brazilian export raw sugar.
Further reading
- ICUMSA 45 vs ICUMSA 150 vs VHP: A Brazilian White Sugar Buyer's Guide
- Brazil to Asia: Sugar & Ethanol Logistics, Ports and Incoterms Basics
- Fuel Ethanol from Sugarcane: Anhydrous vs Hydrated for Industrial Buyers
- Sustainability & Traceability in Brazilian Sugar: Bonsucro and What It Means for Importers
Source VHP sugar mill-direct
Request current VHP specifications, availability and terms from our export desk.