Total sugar production in South Africa in 2007/08 amounted to 2.3
million tons.
Cane production in South
Africa reduced marginally compared to the previous season as a
result of heavy rain in October and November 2007 which disrupted
harvesting operations.
Sugar production in South Africa was higher than in 2006/07 due
mainly to higher sucrose content and conducive milling conditions in
the dry winter months. This benefit was partly offset by the very
wet conditions towards the end of the season.
Domestic sales were
slightly higher than in 2007/08 despite the presence of increased
duty-paid imports in the local market.
Domestic sugar sales to industrial users recorded a small growth
over last year, having benefited from increased offtake in the first
nine months of the year, but were impacted negatively in the latter
part of the season by reduced requirements of mineral water
manufacturers as a result of a carbon dioxide shortage in South
Africa.
