Bittersweet: Sustainability issues in the sugar cane supply chain

SOMO | December 2015

Bittersweet: Sustainability issues in the sugar cane supply chain

This report provides an overview of different sustainability issues in the production of sugar cane globally. Based on new field research the report expands on working conditions and land conflict in Malawi’s sugar industry where Illovo Sugar (Malawi) Limited, a subsidiary of UK-headquartered Associated British Foods (ABF) is the country’s only producer. To better understand the dynamics in the sector and the possibilities for addressing these issues it also discusses international trade and governance, identifies important corporate actors and analyses supply chain policies of leading Dutch retailers.