oduced in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times where it remained relatively unimportant until Indians discovered methods of turning sugarcane juice into granulated crystals that were easier to store and to transport. Sugar crystallization methods were discovered in the 5th century and later carried to China by traveling Buddhist monks. Soon the knowledge of how to cultivate sugar cane and produce sugar would spread throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Today, it is hard to imagine a world without easy access to sugar. The world production of sugar is about 155 million tonnes annually, with more than one hundred countries producing sugar. The largest of them are Brazil, India and China. Sugar is produced in tropical regions from sugar cane, and in temperate regions from sugar beets. Most of the sugar production is consumed in the countries of origin, with only about 28% traded in the world market.

PHOENIX’S ROLE IN THE GLOBAL SUGAR BUSINESS
Our involvement in the sugar industry began as an extension to our existing rice business with the import of our first consignment into East Africa in 2002. We utilize the same network today for trading and distribution of sugar, enabling us to provide sugar competitively to our existing buyers in Africa and the Middle East.

We trade close to 100,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually to a select and regular clientele, many a times providing them with rice and sugar combination cargo parcels, ensuring individual quality control and consistent delivery.