Masterplan to save local sugar industry

THE South African sugar industry has implemented a masterplan aimed at increasing the demand for locally produced sugar.

The industry has faced numerous challenges over the years. This included cheap imports that have cost the industry R2.2 billion in 2019/2020, drought, a drop in world sugar prices, and a decline in local demand due to a sugar tax.

The South African Canegrowers’ Association said the sugar tax cost the industry R1.5bn and resulted in 9 000 job losses