Mackay Sugar
Sugar manufacturer
One of Australia's largest sugar cane producing and sugar manufacturing companies, owned by 1100 canegrower shareholders and operating four sugar factories in Queensland. Mackay Sugar was formed in 1988 as a co-operative. In 2008 they became a restricted public company. Owns 25% of Sugar Australia. In 2019 Nordzucker acquired a 70% stake.

Overall

Owned GER
Rating D
About the Ratings

Company Ownership

Mackay Sugar Ltd
AUS
Nordzucker AG
owns 70% of Mackay Sugar Ltd
GER
Sugar manufacturer
Europe's second largest sugar manufacturer. Acquired 70% of Australia's Mackay Sugar Ltd in 2019.

Company Assessment

(Last updated Aug 2024)
Mackay Sugar Ltd
Information
Govt grant to reduce energy costs
In September 2011, senior management presented a proposal to the company's board on ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across its Farleigh, Marian and Racecourse mills in Queensland. Thanks to a $9.1 million grant from the Australian Government's Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program, Mackay Sugar can put its plans into action.
Bonsucro member
This company is a member of Bonsucro - Better Sugar Cane Initiative, a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation fostering the sustainability of the sugarcane sector through its leading metric-based certification scheme and its support for continuous improvement for members.
No tax paid in 2019-20
According to data released by the Australian Tax Office in Jan 2022, this company was one of many local and foreign-based companies that paid no tax in Australia in 2019-20. Please note however that companies pay income tax on profits, not revenue (total income). While some companies use tax havens and loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of tax in Australia, other companies that paid no tax have perfectly legitimate reasons.
Source: ATO (2022)
Nordzucker AG
Praise
CDP Water Security score of B-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of B-.
Source: CDP (2023)
Criticism
7/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 7/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
20.1% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #130/350, with a total score of 20.1/100.
15.1% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #382/816, with a total score of 15.1/100.
Information
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target.
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative member
This company is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain.
Bonsucro member
This company is a member of Bonsucro - Better Sugar Cane Initiative, a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation fostering the sustainability of the sugarcane sector through its leading metric-based certification scheme and its support for continuous improvement for members.
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Company Details

Type:
Public company
Revenue:
402 million AUD (2010)
Employees:
530 (2005)
Subsidiaries:
Sugar Australia Pty Ltd (25% owned)
Sugar manufacturer
The Australian sugar industry produces 5.2 million tonnes of raw sugar annually and 85 per cent of this is exported. 75 per cent owned by Wilmar, the world's biggest palm oil trader. Distributes and markets stevia sweetener products under an agreement with GLG Life Tech.

Contact Details

Address:
Racecourse Mill, 26277 Peak Downs Highway, Racecourse, Qld, 4740, Australia
Phone:
07 4953 8200
Website:
www.mkysugar.com.au

Products / Brands

Sugar Australia (25% owned)
CSR Topping & Syrup
CSR (sucrose) Sugar & Sweeteners
CSR Golden Syrup Honey