“We need to take advantage of new technologies such as genetic modification and genome editing”

Dr Jean Claude Autrey – General Secretary of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.

• “In 2023, Mauritius exported approximately 5,020,960 litres of rum, generating about $6.83 million in revenue.”

Dr. Jean Claude Autrey, General Secretary of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, emphasized the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to sustain the industry’s progress. “We need to take advantage of new technologies such as genetic modification and genome editing,” he stated. He was speaking at the conference on Sugar/Rum Value Chain Development, which is an initiative of the European Union, the ACP and the International Trade Centre. The event provided a forum to reflect on the historical and economic significance of sugarcane and rum production in Mauritius, assess current challenges, and outline future directions.

The recent Conference on Sugar/Rum Value Chain Development in Mauritius, held at Espace Ernest Wiehe, Labourdonnais, Mapou, brought together key stakeholders from government, international organizations, and the private sector. The event provided a platform for discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the sugarcane and rum industries.

The conference was attended by Dr. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, along with Oskar Benedikt, Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritius and Seychelles, and representatives from the International Trade Centre (ITC). Dr Jean Claude Autrey, General Secretary of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, set the context for discussions by outlining the historical and economic significance of sugarcane cultivation and rum production in Mauritius.

In his speech, Dr Autrey remarked that “this project could not come at a better time for our industry as it aims at increasing our competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.” He emphasized the deep historical roots of sugarcane in Mauritius, explaining that “introduced by the Dutch, established as an industry by the French, and developed as a monoculture by the British, sugarcane has shaped our destiny for at least 300 years.”

Indeed, the event highlighted the evolution of rum production in Mauritius. Initially introduced by the Dutch in 1639, sugarcane cultivation later flourished under French and British rule. By the early 19^th century, Mauritius had over 135 distilleries, exporting rum to key markets, including England, Madagascar, Seychelles, and West Africa. The legal framework initially restricted the use of fresh sugarcane juice in rum production, allowing only molasses-based rum. However, a 2006 reform permitted the use of sugarcane juice, leading to the establishment of several new distilleries producing high-quality agricultural rum.

“If over the decades, our conferences and seminars have focused on sugarcane and its derivatives, this is the first time we are holding a conference on rum,” Dr Autrey noted. He elaborated on the origins of rum, stating that “the word ‘rum’ is believed to be a diminutive of ‘Saccharum,’ the scientific name for sugarcane, while others argue it derives from ‘Rumbullion,’ a drink made from sugarcane stalks boiled in water.”

Currently, Mauritius has three molasses-based distilleries – Grays, Medine, and Omnicane – and four that use sugarcane juice – Chamarel, Saint Aubin, Labourdonnais, and Oxenham. A fifth distillery at Omnicane has also become operational. The focus on premium-quality rum has strengthened the industry’s international reputation, with exports more than doubling since 2010.

Dr Autrey shared key statistics on rum exports: “In 2023, according to the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), Mauritius exported approximately 5,020,960 litres of rum, generating about $6.83 million in revenue.” The primary export destinations included the Netherlands, France, Spain, Seychelles, and the United Kingdom.

Dr Jean Claude Autrey emphasized the need for innovation to maintain the industry’s competitiveness. “Sugarcane is a biofactory. Until now, we have taken advantage of it for producing sugar, electricity, ethanol, biogas, biofertilizers, and a multitude of chemicals under the concept of sucrochemistry. But to progress, and even to survive in a highly competitive world, we need to elevate our innovation,” he stated.

Dr Autrey went on to assert that “we need to take advantage of new technologies such as genetic modification and genome editing, as well as AI applications that we have been exploring in precision agriculture.”

“If over the decades, our conferences and seminars have focused on sugarcane and its derivatives, this is the first time we are holding a conference on rum”

In addition, Mauritius is exploring new applications for sugarcane-derived products, and Dr Autrey explained that “we must take advantage of research outcomes, such as bioplastics, to scale up to an industrial level and enter practical applications, like surgical prosthetic devices.”

The conference underscored the necessity of continuous innovation and strategic partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sugarcane and rum industries. “The EU, through ITC, is providing us with opportunities and tools to achieve this goal,” Dr Autrey stated. “We are confident that this conference on value chain development, particularly in sugarcane and rum, will yield significant outcomes and boost confidence in the future of our renewable biomass industry.”