On June 12 and 13, New York City once again hosted the traditional Sugar Week gathering, one of the most important global events for the sugar and bioenergy sector. The Brazilian Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Association (UNICA), in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), under the Sugarcane Ethanol Project, led an interesting agenda that showcased Brazil’s expertise not only in sugar production, but also in sustainable biofuels.
The opening day, June 12, began with UNICA CEO Evandro Gussi participating in the event “Brazilian Ethanol: Internationalization and New Markets,” held at XP Inc.’s headquarters in New York. The meeting brought together government authorities, international organizations, and key industry representatives to discuss the expansion of ethanol into global markets and its strategic role in the energy transition.
Discussions focused on how ethanol has become an international benchmark for low-carbon mobility solutions, offering both environmental and economic benefits as countries seek alternatives to fossil fuels.
Later that afternoon, UNICA and the Association of Latin American Sugar Producers (UNALA – Unión de Azucareros Latinoamericanos) organized a high-level panel featuring prominent leaders and experts from across the energy and biofuel sectors.
Participants included Alfredo Vila (president of UNALA),Evelyne Williams (researcher at Columbia University and former representative of the U.S. Department of State), Admiral José Augusto Vieira da Cunha de Menezes (former head of the Brazilian Representation at the International Maritime Organization), Gerard Ostheimer (Head of the Secretariat of the Biofuture Industry Council), Hagan Rose (Director of International Sales and Marketing at Eco Energy), Luis Miguel Paiz (Executive President of UNALA).
The discussions reinforced bioenergy’s role as a strategic pillar for global energy security and decarbonization efforts. Panelists emphasized the importance of biofuels — particularly ethanol — in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening energy resilience, and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Speakers also highlighted Latin America’s unique capacity to expand sustainable bioenergy production at scale while promoting stronger international cooperation and regulatory alignment among emerging and established markets.
On June 13, UNICA participated in the opening ceremony of the CITI ISO DATAGRO New York Sugar & Ethanol Conference. During the conference, the Brazilian sugar and bioenergy industry once again demonstrated its strategic importance in a rapidly changing global economy. The day concluded with the traditional Sugar Dinner, bringing together executives, policymakers, traders, and international stakeholders for networking and strategic discussions about the future of the global sugar and bioenergy markets.
This year’s edition of Sugar Week takes place at a crucial moment for the global energy agenda, amid growing concerns over energy security, international oil price volatility, and the increasing search for low-emission transportation solutions.
