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The southern African sugar industry is on the rise and Illovo Sugar, an emerging global company with a strong African identity, is leading the way.
The group plays an important role as a major supplier of high-quality sugar and downstream products in both domestic and international markets. Located in Durban, South Africa, Illovo Sugar proudly carries its African expertise on its sleeve while focusing on international expansion. The world of sugar is fiercely competitive due to the volatility of its free market commodity price. Over 100 countries produce sugar worldwide, with approximately 70 percent of global exports dominated by the five leading sugar producers - Brazil, the European Union, Australia, Thailand and Cuba. According to managing director Don MacLeod: "If Illovo were a stand-alone country, we would be the 13th biggest sugar producer in the world. We are an African company that exports sugar and related products to over 83 countries." A stick of sugar cane, the source of most of Illovo's sugar, has four major components: sugar, molasses, fiber and water. "We are influential in the first three core commodity products and are able to generate diverse downstream goods such as syrup, alcohol and flavorings, which are derived from molasses and cane fiber," MacLeod explains.
"Illovo Sugar is a leading globally-competitive low cost sugar producer and a significant manufacturer of high value-added products. The group is continuously improving its operations with innovative technology and high standards of excellence. This is what sets us apart: our world-class stamp of efficiency and quality," he adds. Due to acquisitions and organic growth, the group has increased its productive base to 5.4 million tons of cane with an annual turnover in excess of $400 million. Approximately 50 percent of its production is exported, while the other half is consumed locally. The group has also successfully expanded outside South Africa with 15 sugar cane plants in the southern Africa region and one beet sugar plant in the US. "Our objective is to go into countries where we can add value through our management and technology expertise, and therefore consistently improve performance," he continues. "Our future is in expansion and if there are opportunities here or abroad, we will definitely take a good look at them. Our future looks sweet indeed."
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Illovo Sugar Managing Director Don Macleod
Illovo Sugar plant on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa