The Labasa Mill has officially concluded its 2025 crushing season as of Monday, reporting an impressive total of 583,612 tonnes of cane crushed. This figure exceeds last year’s total of 575,068 tonnes, marking a notable achievement for the operation.
Starting its season on June 17, the mill operated for an extended 24.8 weeks, substantially longer than the initially projected 19 weeks. The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) made several extensions to accommodate the growers, allowing them ample opportunity to harvest and deliver their cane despite the Sugar Industry Tribunal’s designated closure date of November 30.
Road transport remains the primary mode of cane delivery, with 93 percent of the supply transported by lorry, while the rail system accounted for seven percent. The percentage of burnt cane stood steady at 45 percent, slightly up from 44 percent in 2024.
Despite experiencing significant challenges due to prolonged wet weather, which resulted in 1,067 hours of downtime, the mill maintained operations whenever feasible. This resilience underscores the FSC’s commitment to supporting growers throughout the season.
FSC has recognized the hard work and determination of all involved in the sugar production process, including the growers, harvesting crews, transport operators, and industry partners. The organization has expressed its dedication to further collaboration aimed at enhancing harvesting performance, ensuring supply consistency, and promoting the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry. This positive outlook reinforces the FSC’s commitment to enhancing the experiences of everyone in the industry.
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