New South Wales own Sunshine Sugar is again leading the way in the world of sustainability being the first company in Australasia to sell Bonsucro Credits.
Recently the New South Wales Sugar Milling Cooperative Ltd and Manildra Harwood Sugar announced that they became the first in Australasia to become Bonsucro certified. The certification of the Cooperatives growers, its sugar milling operations and the Sugar Refinery joint venture with Manildra which operates alongside the Harwood Mill is the first certification from producer to customer in the world. The Bonsucro certification is obtained by strict audit by an independent certification body as being in compliance with the Bonsucro Standard.
Customers who purchase Bonsucro Certified Sugar are assured that the product they receive has been ethically, environmentally and economically manufactured in a sustainable way by all involved within the supply chain from the farmer to the customer.
The Cooperative is now delighted to announce that a key customer, Ferrero, is supporting this important sustainable initiative through the purchase of 5,000 Bonsucro credits in what will be the first trade in Australasia.
Being the fourth largest confectionery group in the world, Ferrero has a very clear practice of supporting the highest quality products and careful selection of the finest raw materials and through this purchase is supporting and rewarding the local industry through their commitment to the certification process. By supporting those sugar cane producers who implement good agricultural practices and farm management, companies like Ferrero encourage better farming practices, increased yields, better quality, less impact on the environment, better social working circumstances and a more efficient way of production.
Chairman of Sunshine Sugar, Mr Ian Causley said The certification and subsequent agreement with Ferrero is an important part of the Cooperatives continuous improvement program targeting social and environmental improvement. We congratulate Ferrero on being the first customer to participate in a process that is beneficial to all facets and levels of the community. We are proud that an Australian grower-owned enterprise in conjunction with our partners, Australian icon Manildra Group, has been able to lead the way in such a responsible manner. Personally, I think that having the makers of my favourite chocolate as our first Bonsucro partner is a very positive move.
Bonsucro CEO, Nick Goodall, welcomed the sale. Congratulations to Sunshine Sugar and Ferrero for demonstrating their commitment and support for the sustainable production of sugarcane.