The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is currently looking into various avenues for enhancing its product offerings, which include the production of ethanol, refined sugar, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and biomass energy along with cogeneration. The FSC aims to mitigate the risks linked to market fluctuations and improve its capacity for generating stable, long-term income to establish a resilient and diversified business that can succeed in an ever-evolving global economy.
Board chairman Nitya Reddy noted that the corporation is collaborating with international organizations and bilateral partners to seek assistance for upgrading mills, enhancing skills, and evaluating potential commercial joint ventures. He emphasized in the FSC’s 2024 annual report that the Fiji sugar industry has lost its competitive edge in the global marketplace and requires significant improvements across all levels of production and manufacturing.
Reddy pointed out that major investments must be made in technology, agricultural practices, mill operations, transport infrastructure, and workforce training due to ongoing uncertainties regarding cane production, a decline in active growers, and decreasing farming returns, highlighting the necessity for diversification.
He mentioned that the company is reassessing its various options concerning the future restructuring of its mills and supporting infrastructure. Given the long-lasting effects of these decisions and the size of the investments required, they must be carefully assessed by the board in collaboration with experts and the government. Reddy stressed that the board intends to avoid hasty, short-term solutions that are driven by populist and expedient reasons.