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.
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 Jan 2026)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Mackay Sugar Ltd
Praise
Criticism
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.
Source: Australian Govt
(2013)
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
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of B
In 2024, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of B.
Source: CDP
(2024)
CDP Water Security score of B
In 2024, 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
(2024)
19% in Gender Benchmark
In 2023 and 2024, the World Benchmarking Alliance assessed 2,000 companies on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, and violence and harassment. This company scored 19 out of 100. The average score was 15.3 and the highest score was 51.
13.6% in Nature Benchmark
The 2026 Nature Benchmark assessed 750 companies from high-impact industries on their efforts to advance a nature-positive future by cutting damaging practices across their operations and supply chains, and by actively restoring and improving ecosystems. Companies are assessed across four measurement areas: Governance, Planet, People and Core social indicators. This company received a score of 13.6/100. The average score was 17.3 and the highest score was 56.4.
17.3/100 in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2026 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 companies from the food and agriculture value chain on their contributions to healthy, sustainable, and inclusive food systems. Companies are assessed across four measurement areas: Healthy food systems, Sustainable food systems, Inclusive food systems and Governance. This company received a score of 17.3/100. The average score was 15.5 and the highest score was 61.2.
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.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
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.
Source: SAI Platform
(2023)
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.
Source: Bonsucro
(2025)
34.7% in Social Benchmark
The 2026 Social Benchmark assessed 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 received a score of 34.7/100. The average score was 20 and the highest score was 75.
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: