Sugar industry: SUCOMA forecasts production of 63,000 tons for this season
The sugar season, which opened on June 2nd, sees the SUcrerie de COmplants de Madagascar (SUCOMA) setting high expectations. Aiming to produce 63,000 tons, the Ambilobe sugar mill intends to do everything possible to rebound and boost the local economy.
SUCOMA’s industry has had its ups and downs, but mostly downs. Initially, it merely supported one of the first sugar establishments, SIRANALA, given its difficulties in 1997. The factory was then jointly managed with Chinese investors who have since renamed the factory SUCOMA (SUcrerie de COmplants de Madagascar). From 2011, it experienced catastrophic structural and organizational crises, leading to technical unemployment for several years. SUCOMA was only able to resume its activities from 2017 onwards.
Since then, it has become a true phoenix rising from its ashes, continuing to grow. Moving from a production of about 17,000 tons before its temporary closure, it reached 60,000 tons in 2022. And this year, it is pushing its limits even further by aiming for a production of 63,000 tons, with a price of 38 USD per bag, according to the price limits set by the Ministry of Industry and Consumption. This quantity will be added to that of Namakia, which already meets half of the Malagasy population’s sugar demand. With such progress, a reduction in sugar imports can be envisaged soon. As a reminder, the Malagasy population consumes about 175,000 tons of sugar and imports about 142,000 tons to meet local demand, according to 2021 figures. SUCOMA Namakia and Ambilobe were producing only 90,000 tons at the time.
The sugar industry will soon thrive thanks to SUCOMA’s efforts to increase production. Moreover, the tropical climate of the Big Island promises a flourishing sector. The Malagasy soil generates about 3 million tons of sugarcane each year. The majority comes from Ambilobe; Nosy Be: Hell-Ville and Dzamandzar in the Diana Region; Brickaville in the West; Namakia in the Boeny region; and Morondava in the Menabe region. Given the increase in local demand, the main sugar industries are trying to cover it and are on track to do so. But additional investments in the field would not be refused. The local market remains largely open, and advantages present themselves to those interested. These align with the industrialization policy within the framework of the ODOF (One District One Factory) project, which has been underway since 2021.