The SOMDIAA Group operates four sugar plants:

• 2 in Cameroon - one in N'Koteng and one in M'Bandjock;
• 1 in Congo - in Moutela;
• 1 in Chad - in Banda.

Introducing the SOMDIAA Group's sugar plants

In Cameroon, the sugar plant of the SOSUCAM (Société Sucrière du Cameroun) in M'Bandjock was launched in 1965. Its annual sugar output capacity is 50,000 tons used up to 36,000 tons in 2007 (44,000 tons in 2006). A lump sugar agglomerating plant was also set up on site.

The second sugar plant of the SOSUCAM in N'Koteng which was launched in 1977 was purchased by the Group as part of its privatization in December of 1998. Its annual sugar output capacity is 80,000 tons used up to 63,000 tons in 2007 (72,000 tons in 2006) and should reach 110,000 tons in 2012.

The sugar plant in Congo is based in Moutela and became operational in 1965. It is owned by the SOMDIAA Group since the privatization that took place in 1991. This sugar plant operated by the SARIS has an annual sugar output capacity of 69,000 tons used up to 56,000 tons in 2007 (66,600 tons in 2006) with the objective to reach 73,000 tons in 2012 and 80,000 tons in 2016.

In Chad, the facilities of the CST (Compagnie Sucrière Tchadienne) in Banda were built by the SOMDIAA in 1977 and purchased by the Group in 2000 as part of its privatization. Its annual sugar output capacity is 40,000 tons used up to 35,000 tons in 2007 (34,500 tons in 2006), and is expected to reach 45,000 tons in 2016.
Sugar cane is grown based on pivot irrigation and droplet irrigation technologies.

In Chad, the CST also owns the following facilities:

• An agglomerating plant set up in Banda dedicated to lump sugar production.;
• A loaf sugar and confectionary production plant located in the Farcha district of N'Djamena.

Introducing sugar processing

The sugar production process starts with an agricultural raw material: sugar cane or beet. Obviously sugar cane is the raw material in the areas of the world where the SOMDIAA Group operates.

Let us bear in mind that before France became the first producer of sugar beet in the world sugar production was exclusively based on sugar cane farming. Research on beet sugar production only started during the Napoleonic era for political reasons: at the time the British Navy was running a blockade against the French Empire to block the route to the West Indies where sugar cane was grown.

Although sugar beet farming developed sugar cane is still one of the most widely grown agricultural products in the world (over 20% of the global agricultural production).

Sugar Cane Composition

Comprising 70% water, sugar cane is produced for its composition, including:

• Sugar (14%): sugar cane contains a little less saccharose (in terms of weight) than sugar beet does. However, reducing sugars (i.e. glucose, fructose) show a higher content in sugar cane than in sugar beet.
• Fibers (13%) including high lignin content.
• Non-sugar matter (3%).

In order to extract the sugar contained in sugar canes the canes must undergo a process growing ever more complex year after year - cane grinding; juice extraction; juice clarifying; evaporation; crystallization; centrifugation; drying; refining; and packaging.

The animation below shows a simplified diagram of the different steps involved in the process:

Sugar Production Process

Place your cursor on the different steps for more information.

FLOUR MILLING

A modern industry underpinned by milling trade values:

• A sensitivity and a spirit capable of combining the mechanical precision of food processing with the uncertain nature of grain.
• Biochemistry science to ensure product quality and product fitness for final use all along the production chain, that is" from the field to the bakery".
• A strict industrial savoir-faire to maintain its equipment in perfect condition at all times in order to reach objectives both in terms of quality and quantity.

The SOMDIAA Group has been able to integrate such values by establishing a few principles:

• Innovation: accomplishing and integrating technological advances in order to achieve best performance results with its industrial tools.
• Communication through seminars aimed at updating and sharing knowledge with the entire staff.
• Training people to teach their trade and new technologies in order to ensure the best skill levels.
• Production control and traceability process implementation to guarantee food security for its customers.

The SOMDIAA Group is committed to adapting, teaching and transmitting its expertise in African, Asia and the Indian Ocean Rim in keeping with established standards, and health-related as well as traceability requirements.

THE FLOUR PRODUCTION PROCESS

Place your cursor on the different steps for more information