OUR HISTORY

Sugar cane is believed to be native to the South Pacific islands, with early European explorers and settlers discovering its presence in Fiji. Initially, Fijians grew sugar cane for chewing and utilized its juice to sweeten their food.

During the early 1860s, cotton production in the United States declined due to the Civil War, opening global markets to new producers. Fiji appeared to be a promising location for cotton cultivation. However, as American plantations recovered post-war, cotton enterprises in Fiji struggled and eventually failed.

KEY MILESTONE IN FIJI'S SUGAR INDUSTRY

March 1973

31 March 1973

SPSM Ltd's shares were offered to the public, with only 2% of shares purchased. Following a decision by Lord Denning regarding the sharing of proceeds with growers, CSR Ltd withdrew from the Fiji sugar industry. The Fijian government acquired CSR's interest for $10 million.

1972

The Fiji Sugar Corporation was established by an Act of Parliament, taking over milling operations from 1 April 1973

1961

CSR formed a Fiji subsidiary, South Pacific Sugar Mills Ltd (SPSM).

1926

Penang Mill, originally founded by the Wilmer brothers in 1881 at Rakiraki, was acquired by CSR

1916

As plantation workers became scarce, several solutions were tried before implementing the small-farm system. Indian farmers were settled on farms averaging 4.05 hectares, with families handling most of the work.

1903

Lautoka Mill, CSR's largest, began crushing

1894

Labasa Mill on Vanua Levu

1886

Rarawai Mill on the Ba River

1880

The Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR), a well-established Australian enterprise, began operations in Fiji. CSR's first mill commenced at Nausori in 1882, followed by the establishment of additional mills:

1879

The British Government brought indentured labourers from India to work on various plantations. Many remained when sugar became the primary crop, and the indenture system continued until 1916.

1872

Brewer and Joske set up a small experimental sugar mill in Suva, followed by a larger mill a year later. Approximately 640 acres of cane were planted in what is now Suva.

1871

Ratu Cakobau offered £500 for "the first and best" crop of 20 tons of sugar produced from locally grown cane.

1870

Sugar overtook Copra to become Fiji's leading export—a position it maintains today. Ratu Cakobau, concerned about Fiji's economic downturn due to internal conflicts and the collapse of the cotton industry, played a crucial role in the industry's early development.

1871

1862

The first sugar in Fiji was produced on the island of Wakaya by Mr. David Whippy.

Fiji’s sugar story is one of resilience, evolution, and collective determination, shaped by a tapestry of historical moments and visionary endeavours.