THE first imports of Australian sugar for more than 40 years are expected to reach the UK by the summer, officials at Tate & Lyle have said.
Gerald Mason, the processors senior vice-president, said the company was looking forward to resurrecting its trading relationship with Australian sugar farmers one that once saw 20 per cent of its raw materials come from down under.
Speaking during a visit from Australias agriculture minister, Murray Watt, to Tate & Lyles London refinery last week (January 17), Mr Mason said Australian sugar had been a massive part of the UK sugar market until the countrys membership of the EU put a stop to trade.
He said they wanted to buy more, not because of the price, but because it 'meets the highest ethical and environmental standards in the world.
Australias National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson, said a free-trade deal between the two countries was a 'huge win-win for Tate & Lyle, consumers and Australian sugar growers.
Michael Sly, NFU sugar board chair, said they had raised concerns about access for Australian sugar back in 2021.
UK sugar beet growers are subject to very different regulatory standards compared to other growers around the world. Government should ensure that any future trade deals must not undermine our ability to compete with these growers.
