On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 10:27:52 -0600, Becca > wrote:

>smithfarms pure kona wrote:
>
>> Our government supports the price of sugar made in the US. It
>> certainly supported the Hawaiian sugar industry until the land became
>> too valuable as real estate, so farming ceased.
>
>It is wonderful for the US sugar producers, that the government has
>jacked up the price of sugar, but it has hurt the confectioners in the
>United States. They moved to Mexico, Canada and to other countries
>where they can afford to buy sugar, taking all of the jobs with them.
>Now, everything we buy is sweetened with HFCS, because it is affordable
>and sugar is not.
>
>Becca


Sugar is quite affordable, but corn syrup is cheaper. Since most
people do not know the diff, the manufacturers get away with it.
Saving 1, 5 or even more percentage points on raw material translates
into big bucks for the manufacturers.

There are soda manufacturers that use sugar, Boylans, is one, and as
wonderful as it is, I buy it rarely as it is more expensive than corn
syrup sodas. I am not interested in encouraging soda use among the
family at all, so quality is not something I necessarily seek in a
soda.

Most people, sadly, do not have much of a discerning palate. By virtue
of participating in this group, I'd say posters here are more
sophisticated than the general public.

Keep in mind, too, that there are those who prefer diet soda or the
ccloying sweetness of corn syrup.

I do taste a difference in sugar products when it comes to jams &
jellies, but since most of what gets sold is Welch's grape, I doubt
the mass market will pay for the kind of stuff that Barb makes. I
will, you will, other RFC posters will maybe, but not someone who is
making 10 PBJs on yukky white a bread a week may not.(don't get me
started on the PB itself)

There is, indeed, a growing segment of those who will seek out better
quality food items. All you need to so it watch Whole Foods stock
prices, but as long as fast food dominates with it presence and heavy
advertising and cooperation with schools, it is an uphill battle that
parents need to fight, as once these foods become "comfort" foods to
young ones, it is hard to shake the bad habits. This group fights the
battle.

Boron