Value proposition

Now called ABF Sugar, we’re a consumer-centric agri-business growing and making sugar and related products, sustainably.

Illovo Sugar Africa with its +over 130-year African legacy has transitioned into ABF Sugar which represents the Sugar Division of Associated British Foods plc (ABF), the global food, ingredient and retail group listed on the London Stock Exchange. ABF is a long-term investor in Illovo and became its sole owner in 2016.

Today ABF Sugar comprises a Central leadership and functional team with business units in the UK and Spain, and in Africa namely Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. It’s here that with cane supplied by our own agricultural operations and independent growers, ABF Sugar is the continent’s largest sugar producer at 1.5 million tons per annum. We also produce a wide range of co-products including molasses and furfural which in turn are further processed into other value-generating products such as ethyl and furfuryl alcohols.

Using residue cane fibre as a renewable fuel source in our factory boilers, we generate sufficient electricity to power nearly 90% of our own factory and field operations.

Almost 90% of sugar produced in Africa is sold within our domestic markets, with a commitment to trusted quality products to serve our customers and consumers.

ABF Sugar, through its operations across Africa, have adopted a Thriving Community purpose understanding the important role we have to play to help address economic, social and environmental challenges we find in our African businesses and markets. Approached from a partnership model, we work with local expert stakeholders to create positive impact for the communities in which we operate.

You can find out more about our business at www.abfsugar.com

Sugar, Food Sustainability, and Africa