Sugar sector engages Govt on imported products

In its marketing performance for the quarter ended 30 June 2022, the total industry sugar sales into the domestic market for the quarter at 84 228 tons decreased by eight percent compared to the same period prior year largely due to reduced production as well as purchasing power constraints experienced by customers.Cane deliveries from the Company’s plantations (miller-cum-planter) for the quarter were 22 percent above the same period prior year driven by a combination of increased harvesting targets in line with total crop projections, a more efficient cane haulage system and improved mill uptime.However, cane deliveries from private farmers were below prior year on account of rains received in April 2022 which resulted in the delayed onset of harvesting.“Whilst cane deliveries were higher than prior year on account of improved yields for cane harvested, sugar production to date is four percent lower than the same period in prior year largely as a consequence of lower cane quality due to a prolonged wet spell that prevailed in the region.

Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Reporter LOCAL  sugar industry players are engaging the Government over the continued proliferation of cheap imports as saying the move is exerting undue competition on local products.In a trading update for the year ended 31 March 2022 and the first quarter ended 30 June 2022, released on Thursday, sugar processor Tongaat Hulett  Zimbabwe said the industry  is advocating for an even playing field against cheap imports.