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Milling NSW –Sunshine Sugar
SECTION 7 MILLING AND MARKETING
SUNSHINE Sugar is a partnership between the grower-owned NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative (formed in 1978) and the Australian family-owned business Manildra with each holding a 50 per cent share. It is the only 100 per cent Australian owned producer of raw and refined sugar products.
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Sunshine Sugar owns and operate sugar mills at Harwood, Broadwater and Condong and a refinery co-located at Harwood. Sugar production has been a major industry in the Clarence, Richmond and Tweed Valley’s for over 150 years, with the Harwood Mill being the longest running sugar mill in Australia, having commenced operation in 1874.
Sunshine Sugar is the retail name used for the NSW sugar industry. This industry supports more than 500 farming families and over 1,000 direct and indirect employees. The farming footprint covers some 34,000 hectares with up to 2.4 million tonnes of cane grown and 275,000 tonnes of raw sugar produced each year. These operations contribute over 200 million dollars per annum to the Northern Rivers’ economy.
The Manildra Harwood sugar refinery
The refinery commenced operations in 1988 when the grower-owned NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative Limited and family-owned Australian agribusiness Manildra Group joined forces to form a partnership to produce, distribute and market refined sugar products throughout Australia.
The refinery, which is located alongside the Harwood Sugar Mill on the majestic Clarence River, produced its first refined sugar on 28 September 1989 and since then has produced over five million tonnes of refined sugar and related products. The refinery capacity is 260,000 tonnes per year. It is one of the largest employers in the area and is a major contributor to the economic and social prosperity of the region.
Low GI Sugar sweetens Malaysian tastebuds
Following initial enquiries made some eight months ago by Central Sugars Refinery based in Kuala Lumpur, significant tonnage of this allAustralian and Bonsucro certified sustainable product has already made its way to Malaysia with ongoing supply arrangements in place.
Central Sugars Refinery (CSR) is one of Malaysia’s most popular brands providing
Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors.
Located on Harwood Island, the Harwood sugar mill sits on the banks of the Clarence river and is the oldest continuously operating sugar mill in Australia and has been crushing cane since 1874.
The Manildra Harwood Refinery is one of the largest employers in the area and is a major contributor to the economic and social prosperity of the region.
SECTION 7 MILLING AND MARKETING
sugar and specialty sweetener ingredients for consumers, retailers, foodservice distributors, food manufacturers, culinary professionals and specialty markets across Malaysia.
Sunshine Sugar’s Low GI sugar has helped to fulfil one of CSR Malaysia’s commitments to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that it has signed with the National Diabetes Institute of Malaysia (NADI).
This MOA collaboration is focused on the promotion of a healthier lifestyle among Malaysians; with a commitment to spread awareness of consuming sugar responsibly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and fighting diabetes.
CSR Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Hishammudin Hasan, commented “Low GI sugar, sourced from 100 per cent Australianowned Sunshine Sugar, will play an important role in our contribution to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and in fighting diabetes and other associated diseases alongside NADI.”
CSR Malaysia is packaging the Low GI sugar sourced from New South Wales as ‘Better Brown’, and has supported its introduction with a major advertising campaign pitching a wholesome and tasty sugar that is suitable for every Malaysian looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.
It’s successful launch in the Malaysian market has led to ongoing orders of Low GI sugar into 2019.
Sunshine Sugar’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chris Connors said; “The enthusiastic response we have had from CSR Malaysia is testament to the quality and innovation that our Low GI Sugar represents.”
He went on to say: “Like many countries, Malaysia has increasing rates of overweight and obesity. Since introducing Low GI sugar to its consumer and industrial customers, the uptake has been strong, which is creating more market opportunities for our growers and mills here in Australia.”
Sunshine Sugar’s Low GI Sugar – which was was a finalist in the Ingredient Innovation category of the Australian Food & Beverage Industry Awards – retains naturally occurring and beneficial antioxidants. One hundred percent natural, low GI sugar is more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolised – resulting in a lower and slower rise in blood glucose.
For further information, contact: Vivien Miller Communications Manager; Ph: 02 6640 0467.
