Sucro Can Sourcing and HOPA Ports announce plans to build sugar refinery

Raw sugar is unloaded at the Port of Hamilton (CNW Group/Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority)

HAMILTON — Sucro Can Sourcing LLC, a growing integrated sugar refiner, has announced its plans to build a sugar refinery at the Port of Hamilton, Ontario, on lands owned by HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority).

The new refinery will reportedly be the largest in Canada, with an expected future annual refining capacity of 1 million metric tonnes, representing an estimated investment of $135 million CAD.

“The sugar markets in both Canada and the United States are experiencing steady, long term, sustainable growth, and Sucro is investing to supply these growing market demands,” said Jonathan Taylor, Founder and CEO of Sucro Sourcing. “We have a customer base that is loyal and growing, benefiting from the new competition we are bringing to the market.”

“Despite steady demand from an expanding food processing sector, overall refining capacity in both Canada and the United States has been stagnant for years”, said Taylor. “Especially in Ontario, where the demand for sugar is growing at one of the fastest rates in North America.”

Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is the third largest in North America with manufacturing revenues of more than $48 billion. The sector has more than 45,000 establishments in the province, employing over 104,800 people.

Sucro Can’s focus on improving its customers’ supply chains is a priority, and a key reason for choosing the Port of Hamilton as the location for its new refinery.

“HOPA Ports is thrilled to be working with Sucro Can to make this historic investment a reality,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports. “We worked closely with Sucro Can to understand its location and logistics needs, and those of its customers. The new refinery in the heart of southern Ontario’s food processing cluster, has access to marine, rail and highway transportation options. The facility’s new capacity and reliability will give Ontario food processors the confidence to invest in their own operations. For us this is a huge win: driving a resilient and efficient supply chain, growing the economy and creating jobs.”

“Hamilton is proud to be chosen as the home for what will soon be Canada’s largest sugar refinery. I look forward to working with Sucro Can Sourcing and HOPA on this important new facility and ensuring this $135-million investment helps Hamilton continue to shine as the centre of Ontario’s vital food cluster.” Mayor Andrea Horwath, City of Hamilton

“Ontario leads the nation in terms of food and beverage manufacturing and Sucro Can’s investment in a brand new sugar refinery is a proof point that our provincial agriculture and food industry generates valued jobs as well,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Sucro Can’s new facility at the Port of Hamilton also highlights the importance of the added advantage we have in Ontario given the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway – our H2O highway,” added Thompson.