American Sugar Refining: A Comprehensive Overview of Operations

Sugar Industry 7 min read

American Sugar Refining, Inc., a large privately held cane sugar refining company, holds a significant presence in the sugar industry with a production capacity of 6.5 million tons. Operating under the corporate brand name ASR Group since 2013, the company has expanded its offerings to include a full range of consumer, industrial, food service, and specialty sweetener products. Serving customers across key channels such as industrial, grocery, e-commerce, and food service, ASR Group has become a leading name in sugar refining.

The company's journey reflects its growth and adaptability, as it has managed to maintain a stronghold in the highly competitive global sugar market. Through a strategic focus on producing high-quality granulated cane sugar, ASR Group continually innovates and diversifies its product offerings to cater to the ever-evolving needs of its customers. This commitment to excellence and expanding market reach has solidified American Sugar Refining's position as a major player in the sugar industry.

Key Takeaways

  • American Sugar Refining has a production capacity of 6.5 million tons, making it a global leader in sugar refining.
  • Operates under the ASR Group name, offering a wide range of consumer, industrial, and specialty sweetener products.
  • Focused on producing high-quality granulated cane sugar, the company has broad market reach and continually innovates to maintain its competitive position.
American Sugar Refining

Company Overview

ASR Group

ASR Group, also known as American Sugar Refining, Inc., is the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of over 6 million tons of sugar. The company supplies a comprehensive range of sweetener products to various market segments, including consumer, industrial, food service, and specialty products.

Some key points about ASR Group:

  • Large privately held cane sugar refining company
  • Production capacity of 6.5 million tons of sugar
  • Offers consumer, industrial, food service, and specialty sweetener products

Domino Sugar

Domino Sugar is a subsidiary of American Sugar Refining, Inc. under the ASR Group. The premium name of Domino Sugar is linked to a heritage of quality that is well-respected and trusted by consumers.

Here's a brief summary of Domino Sugar:

  • Subsidiary of American Sugar Refining, Inc.
  • Part of the ASR Group
  • Known for its high-quality and reliable products
  • Trusted brand in the sugar industry

This section gives an insight into American Sugar Refining, Inc. and its subsidiary, Domino Sugar, highlighting their roles and importance in the global sugar industry. The information provided paints a picture of a thriving business with a strong commitment to providing excellent products and services to its customers.

History

Formation and Acquisitions

American Sugar Refining, Inc. was established as a result of the merging of various sugar companies in the United States. In 1799, William Havermeyer, the founder of what would become Domino Sugar, began his career in the New York City sugar business with his brother, Frederick. By 1892, American Sugar enjoyed a virtual monopoly in the US sugar refining industry, controlling 98% of the market. In 2005, the company acquired C&H Sugar, the leading brand on the U.S. West Coast.

Fanjul Brothers and Flo-Sun

The Fanjul brothers, owners of the Florida Crystals Corporation and Flo-Sun, have played a significant role in shaping American Sugar Refining, Inc. As a major player in the sugarcane industry with deep roots spanning over 150 years, the Fanjul brothers have expanded the company's presence globally. Their company, Florida Crystals Corporation, is a leader in sugarcane-based products, committed to providing customers with quality products and excellent service in markets all over the world.

Flo-Sun, another entity associated with the Fanjul brothers, is an integral part of their sugar empire. It is worth noting that both Florida Crystals Corporation and Flo-Sun are connected with American Sugar Refining, Inc., further highlighting the impact of the Fanjul brothers on the company's growth and influence in the sugar industry.

Products and Services

Cane Sugar Products

ASR Group, also known as American Sugar Refining, Inc., is a leader in cane sugar refining, producing a wide array of sweetener products. They are the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of over 6 million tons. Their cane sugar products include granulated, brown, and powdered sugars to cater to various customer needs in different markets and applications.

Industrial Solutions

For industrial customers, ASR Group offers a variety of sugar products that meet the specific needs and requirements of their clients. These products are used in the manufacturing of numerous consumer goods, such as baked goods, confectionery items, and beverages. Their Belize sugar, sourced from a sustainable and environmentally responsible process, demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality, eco-friendly solutions for industrial applications.

Food Service Offerings

ASR Group also provides a range of sugar and sweetener products specially designed for the food service industry, such as bakeries, restaurants, and catering businesses. These offerings include portion control sugar packets, sugar dispensers, and liquid sweeteners that provide convenience and ease of use for the food service sector.

Specialty Sugars

The company strives to meet the unique needs of their customers with specialty sugar products that cater to various niche markets and applications. These specialty sugars include organic, Fair Trade Certified, Demerara, and Turbinado sugars, among others. These high-quality specialty sugar options allow ASR Group to satisfy the diverse and evolving demands of their global clientele.

Operations and Locations

Sugar Plantations

American Sugar Refining, Inc. sources its sugarcane from various sugar plantations located in countries with favorable climates for sugarcane cultivation. Sugarcane is the primary raw material in ASR Group's cane sugar production process.

Sugar Refineries

ASR Group's refining operations are spread across North America. The company owns and operates six sugar refineries, as well as specialty sweetener production facilities. These strategically located facilities ensure seamless production and delivery of products to customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

  • Baltimore: The Domino Sugar Refinery is located in Baltimore, Maryland. This facility has a significant role in the company's production of granulated cane sugar from purchased raw sugar or syrup.
  • Chalmette: The Chalmette refinery is another key facility in the ASR Group's operations.
  • Jack Frost: This refinery is part of the company's diverse sugar production network.
  • Brooklyn: A historical location for ASR Group's operations is the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, New York. This former facility was once a major part of the company's refining operations.

With an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar, ASR Group is the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The company offers a variety of cane sugar products through multiple channels, including industrial, grocery, e-commerce, food service, and specialty retail outlets.

Affiliated Companies and Partnerships

Florida Crystals Corporation

Florida Crystals Corporation is a leading sugar producer and an important partner for American Sugar Refining, Inc. It is a vertically integrated agribusiness with a focus on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly practices. The company, owned by the Fanjul family, operates various sugar production facilities, including sugar mills, refineries, and packaging plants. The partnership with American Sugar Refining, Inc. allows both companies to collaborate and maximize efficiency across the sugar production process.

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida

The Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida is a significant partnership for American Sugar Refining, Inc. Established in 1960, this agricultural cooperative is made up of 45 family-owned sugarcane farms and operates a sugarcane mill in Belle Glade, Florida. The cooperative strives to provide a reliable source of high-quality sugarcane to refineries, such as ASR Group. The strong relationship with American Sugar Refining, Inc. ensures a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials for sugar production.

National Sugar Company

National Sugar Company is another vital affiliate of American Sugar Refining, Inc. This company is responsible for the marketing of sugar products from ASR Group's factories across the United States. Together with American Sugar Refining, Inc., National Sugar Company helps oversee a seamless production and delivery process of sugar to customers across North America. Their collaboration ensures that customers receive excellent service and high-quality sugar-based products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns American Sugar Refining?

American Sugar Refining, Inc. is a privately owned company and is not publicly traded. It is part of the ASR Group, a global sugar refining organization.

What products does ASR Group offer?

ASR Group offers a variety of sugarcane-based products including cane sugar, specialty sweeteners, and syrups. Some of their well-known brands include Domino Sugar, CH Sugar, Redpath, Tate & Lyle, Sidul, SRB, and Belize Sugar.

Where are ASR Group's facilities located?

ASR Group has multiple facilities located in different countries, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Brazil, and Belize.

What is the history of the Sugar Trust?

The Sugar Trust was a 19th-century organization in the United States that sought to control sugar production and distribution. It later evolved into the American Sugar Refining Company, which itself eventually became part of the ASR Group. The company's heritage in the sugar industry spans over 150 years.