Sugar Association of the Caribbean optimistic about regional sugar crop despite drought conditions

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) is optimistic about the sugar crop across the region despite current drought conditions.

In a statement Tuesday, the SAC said the drought has been having an adverse impact on the majority of regional sugar producers, however, all Caribbean countries under the association have managed to produce for the month of May. 

The association said during the month of May all Caribbean sugar producers were in production with Belize topping the list with 23,628 tonnes followed by Guyana with 15,178 tonnes, Jamaica with 10,198 tonnes and Barbados 5,673 tonnes.

The year to date sugar production up to the end of May 2018 stood at 337,116 tonnes,

Of that figure, Guyana with 134,008 tonnes leads the way followed by Belize with 126,647 tonnes, Jamaica with 68,714 tonnes and Barbados with 7,747 tonnes.

“Up to the end of May 2018, for the current crop our regional producers have exported just over 192,000 metric tonnes, with the majority going to the European Union followed by the United States and CARICOM.  The focus on exports remains strong,” said Chairman of the SAC, Karl James.

The SAC comprises the Barbados Agricultural Management Company, Belize Sugar Industries Limited, Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc and the Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Limited.

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