MSF Sugar has become the first Australian sugar mill to join the VIVE Sustainable Supply Programme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward fully verified sustainable sugar. With its Mulgrave and South Johnstone mills now part of the initiative, MSF Sugar is helping to close the loop on sustainability—from farm to export.
“Sustainability starts with our growers,” said Thitichaya Poontanasombat, Chief Finance Officer, MSF Sugar Pty Ltd.
“Through the Smartcane BMP and VIVE Sustainability Programme, MSF Sugar is proud to work side by side with farming families to improve practices, care for the environment, and build a stronger future together. By supporting our growers every step of the way, we’re helping create more resilient farms, thriving communities, and a sweeter tomorrow for everyone.”
William Rook, Interim CEO of Czarnikow, commented:
“MSF Sugar’s participation in VIVE reflects the growing momentum behind supply chain wide sustainability. It’s not just about meeting standards, it’s about building trust, improving resilience, and unlocking commercial value for producers and buyers alike. As co-owner of the VIVE Programme, Czarnikow is proud to support this kind of collaboration that bridges regional initiatives with global expectations.”
This collaboration builds on the alignment between Smartcane BMP, Queensland’s best management practice initiative, and the VIVE Programme. In July 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding confirmed mutual recognition of sustainability standards, allowing Smartcane BMP-accredited farms to be verified within VIVE’s global supply chain framework.
“Smartcane BMP continues to demonstrate the strong commitment growers have to ensuring efficient, productive, and environmentally responsible farming businesses,” said CANEGROWERS Cairns Region.
“It provides independent credibility that shows both the community and international markets that the Australian sugar industry is serious about sustainability and continuous improvement. The alignment between Smartcane BMP and the VIVE Sustainable Supply Programme ensures our growers’ efforts are recognised throughout the supply chain — from farm to export markets. This connection supports greater market access, adds value to the product, and reinforces that our region is producing sugar that meets globally recognised sustainability standards. It has positive outcomes for growers, the industry, and the environment.”
Local grower Paul Gregory, a Smartcane BMP participant, echoed this sentiment:
“Growers welcome any recognition for their hard work in achieving Smartcane BMP accreditation. We’re proud to uphold our reputation as leaders in world-class sustainable farming. With the VIVE accreditation process now aligning with Smartcane BMP, our industry is gaining global recognition — and we are pleased to stand alongside our mills in setting the benchmark for sustainable primary production,” Mr Gregory said.
Benjamin French, Associate Director of the VIVE Programme, added:
“This is a pivotal moment for sustainable sugar in Queensland. By combining Smartcane BMP’s robust farm level practices with VIVE’s supply chain verification, we’re creating a truly end to end sustainability solution. For refiners and industrial buyers in key destination markets such as Japan, this alignment enhances traceability, builds trust, and adds commercial value by ensuring the sugar they source meets globally recognised sustainability standards.”
With strong support from industrial buyers across Southeast Asia and beyond, this collaboration positions Queensland sugar as a globally recognised, responsibly sourced commodity—driven by growers, supported by mills, and verified across the supply chain.
