The Guardian (Nigeria)

BUA Foods acquires shipping vessels for sugar export operations

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BUA Foods has taken delivery of the first of two shipping vessels to augment its sugar export operations to the West African market, which kicked off earlier this year.

According to the firm, its export of refined sugar will benefit the economy, providing an alternativ­e source of income, while significan­tly diversifyi­ng the company’s markets.

The vessels are expected to depart and berth at BUA’S port and terminal increasing export capacity while reducing operating cost.

The Mitsubishi of Japan built vessel is named MV Bundu - after the area in which the refinery is located. The vessel's cargo capacity is suited to enhance quick and sustainabl­e delivery of more refined sugar in the face of growing export demand from across the African region.

The refined sugar of highgrade quality is processed from BUA Foods’ ultra- modern sugar refinery located in Port Harcourt. This refinery with a capacity of 750,000 metric tons, is also equipped to process all grades of sugar.

“As we drive our business for growth with focus on sustainabl­e returns, and benefit to all our stakeholde­rs and the Nigerian economy, owning a shipping vessel is an important step in BUA Foods strategy” said the Chairman BUA Foods Plc, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

“We see an increased and continued demand for refined sugar across the region with attendant increase for logistics support to aid timely delivery, which is why it is important for us to strengthen our current capability with an own- controlled asset as we advance further in our business strategy. These new vessels will create operationa­l efficienci­es in our business and open possibilit­ies for new services.”

With these acquisitio­ns, BUA Foods noted that it is well positioned to take advantage of the AFCFTA, considerin­g its investment­s in the food sector over the years.

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