The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is initiating a substantial independent study to investigate the declining quality of sugarcane and primary juice for milling purposes. This comprehensive analysis will investigate key quality parameters such as Brix, Pol, Purity, Pure Obtainable Cane Sugar (POCS), and Fibre, tracking their variations over the last 15 years at the field level. The aim is to determine the reasons behind these declines and to propose effective strategies to enhance quality in line with international standards.
According to FSC, the study will include a thorough examination of discrepancies between field cane quality and primary juice quality at their milling facilities. This involves a root cause analysis to better understand how these variances impact milling efficiency, raw sugar production, and overall sugar quality. Additionally, the financial losses stemming from these issues will be estimated.
To facilitate the study, FSC plans to offer the necessary laboratory and field infrastructure for testing and provide comprehensive access to relevant current and historical data. The consultant engaged for this project will be responsible for data analysis, field visits, and sample collection across FSC’s three mill areas, with the results expected to culminate in a detailed technical and business case report. The completion of this report is anticipated by January 2026.
This study is particularly crucial following prior challenges faced by the FSC, including significant financial difficulties linked to past mill upgrades, as noted in earlier reports. The corporation is actively working to learn from those past experiences, emphasizing the significance of quality over mere cost-cutting measures.
In light of these developments, there is cautious optimism for FSC’s future. By prioritizing a thorough investigation into quality issues and exploring potential improvements, the corporation may strengthen its operational resilience and better align with global market standards, ultimately benefiting the broader sugar industry in Fiji.
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