FSC moves to restore sugar supplies in supermarkets

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) says sugar supplies are steadily improving, with fresh stocks being distributed to retailers after production resumed at all three sugar mills.

In a statement, FSC acknowledged the temporary shortage of sugar in supermarkets and retail outlets, saying it understood the inconvenience caused to consumers.

The corporation said the shortage resulted from an unforeseen delay to the start of the 2026 crushing season, which affected pressure on domestic sugar stocks.

To manage available supplies responsibly and ensure they remained accessible across the country, FSC introduced a temporary rationing system.

"FSC is making all efforts in trying to restore normal sugar supply."

All three FSC mills are now operating, with Lautoka Mill resuming crushing on July 14, 2026.

As milling activity and production continue to increase, the corporation said fresh stocks were being progressively dispatched through its distribution network.

"Consumers should therefore expect to see supplies gradually returning to supermarket shelves as retailers receive and replenish their inventories over the coming weeks."

FSC said it had made significant progress in clearing outstanding customer orders.

It said the backlog for retail pack sugar stood at approximately 65 tonnes and was expected to be cleared by the end of this week.

For 25-kilogram bags, all outstanding orders from June had already been fulfilled, with deliveries now being made against current month orders.

To help meet demand during the transition period, FSC said it had also secured imported sugar.

Initial shipments from New Zealand had already arrived and were being distributed into the local market, while additional consignments from Thailand were expected throughout August.

According to FSC, local milling remains the preferred source of supply and imported sugar will complement local production until domestic output stabilises.

The corporation said it was working closely with customers to facilitate timely distribution and ensure available stocks were shared as equitably as possible across the country.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by consumers, retailers and other stakeholders during this period."

FSC said that as production continued to increase, outstanding orders were cleared and imported sugar supplemented local supply, sugar availability across retail outlets was expected to continue improving in the coming weeks.