"Big Sugar" is spelled using conventional English orthography. The word "big" is spelled with the letters b, i, and g. The "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/, the "g" as /ɡ/ which produces the sound /bɪɡ/. The word "sugar" is spelled with the letters s, u, g, a, and r. The "u" is pronounced as /ʌ/, the "g" as /ɡ/ which produces the sound /ˈʃʊɡər/. Combined, "Big Sugar" is pronounced /ˈbɪɡ ˈʃʊɡər/.
Big Sugar refers to the powerful and influential conglomerate of corporations and individuals that dominate the global sugar industry. This term is often used to describe the major players who control a significant portion of the world's sugar production, processing, and distribution.
The term "Big Sugar" is analogous to the concept of "Big Oil" or "Big Pharma," which indicates the dominance of certain industries by large corporations. In the case of Big Sugar, it represents the control exerted by major multinational companies that produce and trade sugar, as well as powerful lobby groups that advocate for the interests of the sugar industry.
These influential entities within Big Sugar are often involved in various stages of the sugar supply chain, from cultivating and processing sugarcane or sugar beets to packaging and marketing the final products. They have the resources, infrastructure, and lobbying power to influence government policies, trade regulations, and pricing mechanisms in order to maintain their market dominance and maximize profits.
Critics of Big Sugar argue that its concentration of power can lead to negative consequences, such as environmental degradation, exploitation of labor, unhealthy agricultural practices, and negative health effects due to excessive sugar consumption. Proponents argue that the consolidation of the industry allows for greater efficiency, economies of scale, and technological advancements that benefit both producers and consumers.
In summary, Big Sugar refers to the large corporations and influential entities that control the global sugar industry, shaping policies and practices related to sugar production, processing, and distribution.