Our partnerships

Discover how we’re working with our partners to grow a sustainable future

We work with partners on research, to improve knowledge and practices, on new technologies and innovations and with those who provide standards and assurance models.

We know first-hand the value of partnerships to create better ways of working and collectively to make a difference.

Research partners
and universities

We have long-standing relationships with some of the most well-respected research organisations across the industry.

Agroteo - Partly funded by Azucarera and Spanish beet sugar growers, this organisation offers a range of services to increase beet sugar yields, as well as offering tailored administrative support on areas such as insurance, securing competitive prices for agriculture produces and labour

The Association for Research on the Improvement of Sugar Beet Cultivation (AIMCRA) - This Spanish non-profit research association led by growers and Azucarera aims to improve beet-growing and reduce energy and water use through research, development and innovation initiatives.

The British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) - Jointly funded by British Sugar and UK sugar beet growers, the BBRO works hard on behalf of the industry to find new and innovative solutions to help farmers grow a sustainable and healthy sugar beet crop. Working with scientists across Europe through the International Institute of Sugar Beet Research (IIRB), the BBRO also looks to other industries to see where we can bring in existing technology to our industry.

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) - A multipurpose organisation which supports and promotes the sustainability of the South African sugar industry. Illovo is a member of the SASA board, participating in carbon tax policy headed by the National Treasury.

The South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) - This world-renowned agricultural research institute contributes to sustainable solutions in the local sugarcane industry. To protect biodiversity and prevent environmental damage, Illovo’s cane lands are managed according to by SASRI’s field conservation guidelines.

The University of Cambridge - The University’s Centre for Industrial Sustainability (CIS) develops tools and knowledge to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable industrial system. ABF Sugar partnered with the Centre on the 2019 Innovate Irrigation Challenge – finding bold new ways to deliver on our 2030 commitment to reduce water use by 30%.

Charity, corporate and
government partners

We retain a strong commitment to our prominent and prestigious corporate partners over the years.

All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewable and Sustainability Energy (PRASEG) - British Sugar is a member of the APPG focused on energy and climate change, aiming to promote renewable and sustainable energy in Parliament.

WaterAid - ABF Sugar partnered with the international non-profit organisation for the 2019 Innovate Irrigation Challenge. Experts from WaterAid made up the judging panel to select the winning idea to work towards our goal of reducing water use by 30%.

Weatherquest - ABF Sugar works with this weather forecasting and analysis company to investigate climate-related scenarios to determine the best sustainable approaches.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) - Illovo works closely with WWF, the international non-profit supporting wildlife preservation, to ensure its sustainable resources and water management activities are aligned with international best practice.

Farming assurance partners

We engage with the highest standards of farming assurance models when growing and manufacturing our sugar.

Fairtrade International - All of the sugar grown at Illovo is certified by the Fairtrade global certification programme. Through the South African Fairtrade Sugar Project, Illovo supports the development of farming and local communities to enable a sustainable future for people and the planet.

Red Tractor - We are committed to the world-leading food chain assurance scheme Red Tractor, setting the standard for British food and farming by ensuring robust assessments across the entire food supply chain. At British Sugar, all farms and growers are fully certified Red Tractor members.

The Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform - This global food and drink industry platform develops sustainable agriculture solutions in the industry supply chain. ABF Sugar sits on the executive committee to help ensure that agricultural commodities and ingredients are supplied from sustainable sources.

Sustainable Sugarcane Farm Management System (SUSFARMS®) - Illovo is a founding member of this practical tool that guides implementation of better management practices to ensure worker health and safety and promote environmental stewardship.

VIVE - A sustainable supply programme focusing on creating greater value and improvements to the sugar supply chain. We work with VIVE to promote responsibly and sustainably source sugar free of environmentally harmful activities.