Save Our Sugar
Save Our Sugar is an industry initiative that was created by Tate & Lyle in 2012. As one of Europe’s leading suppliers of sugar and sweetener products they have led the way in trying to protect the sugar industry. [1],
The company describes it 'as an attempt to bring transparency' to the European Union debate on sugar and cane refining. 'At a time when negotiations for a revised Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the rules for the European sugar market will be altered Save our sugar is working hard to ensure that cane refining is treated fairly in the EU'. [2]
Contents
SAVEourSUGAR campaign
The SAVEourSUGAR campaign was set up 'to try and create a level playing field where cane and beet sugar can compete on an equal basis to help maintain, in the long-term, a sustainable European manufacturing business in both the period leading up to 2017 as well as post-2017 when the next phase of the sugar regime commences'. [3]
The sugar industry has seen a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) introduced in the EU and this has already had a direct result on large sugar companies around Europe. Tate & Lyle Sugars has had to sack 30 people, and reduce its output by 40 per cent. Their vice president Gerald Mason told The Telegraph that 'In the long term, we simply can’t survive', 'we need to find a way for the EU to give us a fairer deal.' [4]
This campaign has therefore been introduced in an attempt to ensure the company can stand up against the CAP. The CAP poses a huge threat to Tate and Lyle and other large sugar companies whose main product is dependent upon sugar cane. The CAP is said to be 'massively biased towards sugar beet because it is grown in Europe, and the world’s largest beet producer, France, is the country whose farmers have traditionally dictated the policy.' [4]
People
Gerald Mason, vice president. Tasked with 'ensuring that policy developments do not threaten the Tate & Lyle Sugars business, whilst also flagging up opportunities they may bring'. Coordinates Sugars work on strategy, and manages government relationships for the sugars business. In particular focuses on the legislation work to cover the key areas of the EU Sugar Regime, trade policy and renewable energy legislation. [5] [5] Mason also represents Tate & Lyle Sugars at a number of trade associations including, the Trade association of European sugar refiners.
Contact
- Gerald Mason - Vice President, EU Affairs & Strategy, Tate & Lyle
- Brussels +32 (2) 791 7680
- London: +44 (0) 20 7540 6625
- Mobile: +44 (0) 77 1773 8371
- Email: gerald.mason@tateandlylesugars.com
Notes
- ↑ Our Business Tate & Lyle Sugars, accessed 8 April 2015
- ↑ WHY THE SAVEOURSUGAR CAMPAIGN? Save Our Sugar, accessed 8 April 2015
- ↑ Our Campaign Save Our Sugar, accessed 8 April 2015
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Andrew Gilligan The EU’s sugar ruling that’s left a bitter taste at Tate & Lyle The Telegraph, 2 March 2013, accessed 10 April 2015
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Press Contacts & Biographies Save our Sugar, accessed 9 April 2015
