Sugar industry groups have warned that the Health Promotion Levy or"sugar tax" on beverages continue to weigh on the R20-billion industry despite more food companies buying local. has met a target for its first phase of restoring local demand. The master plan was formerly signed off by stakeholders in 2020 and aims to tackle issues in the industry, including competition from increasing imports, until 2030.
According to the plan, in the 20 years prior to its release, annual sugar production had declined by a quarter and the number of sugarcane farmers by 60%. Three years later, cane growers and farmers have said there has been some positive progress during the first phase of the plan's implementation.South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we're about to enter a new chapter of fearless journalism.