A process for the production of an ester of a non-reducing sugar or sugar derivative comprises reacting the non-reducing sugar or sugar derivative with a triglyceride of a fatty acid or a fatty acid ester of a monohydric alcohol in air, substantially in the absence of a solvent and under heterogeneous reaction conditions in which the sucrose and alkyl ester or triglyceride are present as separate phases, at a temperature in the range of from 110.degree. C. to 140.degree. C., wherein the reaction is conducted in the presence of a potassium soap but in the absence of an alkaline component. The process enables esters of sugars and sugar derivatives to be produced at lower temperatures than hitherto and in a much simpler process.