The MSS is the Syndicate of all sugar producers of Mauritius, including small and large growers, and sugar millers.

Key facts:

• Founded in 1919
• 25% of the island presently covered with Sugar Cane
• 3 Sugar Mills are in operation : Omnicane, Terra and Alteo
• Yearly export figures to the EU: 251,146 tons (in 2020) representing 68,3% of total sugar exported by Mauritius
• The EU has absorbed some 65% of the total sugar exports over the last 3 campaigns
• Export markets in the EU: Exports to 22 EU countries namely Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden
• Employment:  Approx. 18,000 (Some 8,000 within the industry and around 10,000 small independent growers)

Company profile

After the First World War, planters found themselves in an uneasy position following a drop in the price of sugar. While sugar was still sold in the United Kingdom, this time competing with sugars from other parts of the world, prices fell. The planters struggled to reduce their prices as competition among them was becoming fierce. In order to avoid this situation, producers gathered in 1919 

In 1951, following the recommendations of the Mauritius Economic Commission 1947-1948, the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate was legally constituted for an indefinite period in pursuance of the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate Act 1951.

Mauritius sugars are presently being exported to some 55 destinations globally, namely in the European Union (which has absorbed some 65% of the total sugar exports over the last 3 campaigns), the regional market (comprising of Kenya, Madagascar, Comoros, South Africa and Namibia - 26%), the United States of America  (3%), Middle East, Eastern Europe and South East Asia.

Today, the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate is the proud custodian of Mauritius cane sugars, including a unique range of specialty sugars which are 100% delicious and 100% Made in Mauritius.

As the marketing arm of the sugar industry in Mauritius, the MSS has successfully adapted to changing market conditions. Firstly, after the abolition of the ACP/EU Sugar Protocol in 2009, it spearheaded the industry towards production and sales of exclusively direct consumption sugars. Its sales comprised solely direct consumption sugars as from the 2011 crop (from essentially raw sugar for refining during the Sugar Protocol days).

Likewise, with the advent of the liberalisation of EU beet sugar production quotas in October 2017, the MSS diversified its exports to other destinations than to the EU only (which had traditionally been the most remunerative destination).

The core pillars of the ‘Made in Mauritius’ Special Sugars are:

1. Wholesomeness

• Minimally processed, yet food safe
• Control by experienced engineers
• No artificial flavouring or colouring
• Absence of additives
• Non-GMO
• Not subject to ionizing radiation

2. Taste

• Preserve natural taste of cane juice 
• Great taste award winners
• Renowned across the globe for natural intensity of their aroma and flavour
• Versatility of usage

3. Healthy Benefits

• Rich in minerals, vitamins, anti-oxidants
• Low Glycemic Index sugar to suit diabetics

4. Traceability

• Traceable at all stages of production – through production batch codes
• Rigorous quality & food safety standards at sugar mills
• Food safety accreditation

5. Sustainability

• Eco Friendly circular economy : Reduce, Re-produce, Re-use, Recycle
• Sugarcane is an excellent converter of sunlight and it leads to maximum biomass production Low Carbon Footprint
• Fairtrade label

6. Easy & Convenient Sourcing

• One stop shop
• Responsive customer service
• Secured supply chain making it risk free
• Passion for customer satisfaction
• Customer loyalty and long-term  partnership

The EU supported the specific restructuring and adaptation of Mauritius’ sugar sector through numerous programmes namely the EU Sugar Response Strategy, Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol Countries (AMSP), Sector Budget Support (SBS) and provision was also made for support to the energy component of the Mauritius Multi-Annual Adaptation Strategy (MAAS).

Main achievements over the years:

• 400 Years’ History in Cane Cultivation
• 40 Years’ Experience in the Production of Cane Special Sugars
• Carbon footprint from Farm to Port : 0.36 kg CO2e per kg of both refined and special sugars / Net Carbon footprint from Farm to Port (after production of electricity from bagasse): 0.17 kg CO2e per kg sugar

How did the EPA help?

“Despite the abolition of the Sugar Protocol and its guaranteed prices in 2009, Mauritius sugar continued enjoying duty-free and quota-free access into the EU market under the iEPA with a margin of preference of EUR 419 per ton. Given that the EU market usually carries a price premium over the world market price, it has remained a more attractive destination for Mauritius white refined sugar (except after abolition of EU production quotas in 2017). It is also a sophisticated market with regard to demand for the high value special sugars and has been absorbing at least 50% of its annual production.”

"Had there not been the iEPA, i.e. in the absence of a margin of preference for Mauritius sugars, exports to the EU would have been much lower and the sugar industry itself could have shrunk significantly (probably disappeared)…"

Mauritius Sugar Syndicate

Mr Devesh Dukhira, Chief Executive Officer