Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant microorganisms capable of sugar co-utilization, the recombinant microorganism comprising a genetically altered microorganism (e.g. S. cerevisiae) having a lack of, or reduced expression of, or expression of truncated or mutated forms of at least one polypeptide selected from Hxk1, Hxk2, and Glk1. Reduction of the expression or biological activity of Hxk1, Hxk2 and Glk1 leads to reduction in the glucose consumption pathway, allowing the microorganism to co-utilize multiple sugars (e.g. glucose, xylose, galactose) at an improved rate.