The Sugar Industry Tribunal has set the anticipated termination dates for the 2025 crushing season at the Lautoka and Labasa sugar mills, following input from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). Tribunal Registrar Timothy Brown conveyed this information, emphasizing adherence to Regulation 4.5(c)(ii) of the Master Award.
According to the FSC, the Lautoka Mill is projected to conclude its crushing activities on January 1, 2026, while the Labasa Mill is expected to finish by November 24, 2025. Mr. Brown highlighted that these dates are contingent upon normal mill performance and that the Tribunal will continue to monitor both harvesting and crushing progress prior to finalizing the termination dates.
The final order to conclude crushing at each mill will be issued seven days before the anticipated end date after discussions with the FSC and the Sugar Cane Growers Council. This ongoing communication underscores the collaborative effort necessary to ensure a smooth operational transition between crushing seasons.
This announcement arrives amid broader discussions within the sugar industry regarding mill operations and efficiency, a critical topic as stakeholders strive to enhance productivity and adapt to changing market dynamics. As the 2025 season approaches, the shared commitment among the Tribunal, the FSC, and sugarcane growers paints a hopeful picture for the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, promoting optimism for continued collaboration and productivity improvements.