ESA’S TONNES OF NEW SUGAR PRODUCT

MBABANE – ESA is celebrating a successful trial of the production of a new product – brown sugar with a low glycemic index.

ESA, which is the Eswatini Sugar Association, is exploring two new sugar products, which include sugar with a low glycemic index. All along ESA’s products had been molasses, with a domestic market; raw sugar (European and US markets); as well as very high polarity and refined sugars. The latter is sold regionally and in other world markets.

In his address during the presentation of the 2019/20 integrated annual report at Mountain Inn in Mbabane last Thursday, CEO Phil Mnisi said the new product was being launched in a bid to provide consumers with healthier alternatives.

Tonnes

“The industry produced about 1 000 tonnes of this sugar (brown sugar with a low glycemic index) during the year.

“The plan is to officially launch the product in 2020/21,” said the CEO.

Experts say low glycemic foods can curb blood sugar spikes and lower risk of diabetes. The texture of the new product looks and feels just like normal brown sugar.  They say you can still maintain the same intake of sugar that you consume, but this will be the healthier alternative to normal sugar.

Mnisi said the launch of their new product was a significant addition to the conventional sugars they had been selling.

“I’m excited about this new venture and believe it will be a platform from which to propel us to greater heights, as we continue to deliver sustainable growth by innovating and investing in the future of our industry,” he said. 

Growers

Meanwhile, ESA is an umbrella organisation bringing together all growers and millers of sugar cane. Its highest policy-making body is the Council, where growers and millers have equal representation. The day-to-day functions are run by the ESA office led by a chief executive officer, with its head office located in Mbabane.

ESA is responsible for providing the services necessary for the regulation and general development of the Eswatini sugar industry as well as marketing of all the sugar and molasses produced in the country. ESA provides support services to the entire industry’s value chain which includes agricultural research and extension, cane testing, warehousing and distribution, marketing and policy advocacy.

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