Archive for 2010

NFPA Journal: Refining the Process
As part of its goal to create a new, state-of-the-art refinery following a catastrophic explosion and fire in 2008, Imperial Sugar turned to Ron Allen to help it devise and implement safety features in all of its facilities.

March WASDE Report: Sugar Supply in U.S. Remains Tight
The USDA has released the March World Agricultural Supply Demand Estimates (WASDE), which include estimates of the supply and demand of many grains and other commodities produced in the U.S. The estimates for sugar were changed in only minor ways.

Ensuring Safety through Continuous Improvement
By definition, safety is a never-ending commitment. It’s a mindset that is reflected in the actions of every worker, as well as by leaders who invest in ongoing programs to make safety an integral part of operations.
US Sugar Deal Sparks Call for Oversight
With lawmakers already frustrated over a lack of oversight, recent reports on the state’s landmark $536 million Everglades agreement with U.S. Sugar Corp. may add momentum for a legislative response in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the controversial deal.

Blazing New Trails in Quality and Food Safety
As the Environmental, Health, Safety, Quality and Food Safety team manager, Knezevich is at the center of a matrix of responsibilities.

US Sugar May Benefit from Everglades Deal
Gov. Charlie Crist fired back today at critics who pummeled him for a $536 million Everglades land deal that they describe as a giveaway to U.S. Sugar Corp.

Sugar Gains Favor on Labels
High fructose corn syrup, the sugar alternative used to sweeten sodas, cookies, condiments and cereals, is beginning to lose some ground in the packaged-food industry.

Sugar Usage Sees Strong Demand
After years of getting a bad rap, sugar usage – and demand – are on the rebound. Andy Briscoe, President & CEO of the Sugar Association, shares his thoughts on the resurgence of sugar.
No Ruling on Sugar Beet Injunction
U.S. sugar beet farmers are “on pins and needles” as a federal judge weighs whether to block planting of their crops engineered to be resistant to Monsanto Co.’s Roundup herbicide.

Imperial Sugar Urges U.S. to Double Import Quota as Prices Rise
Imperial Sugar Co., the second- largest U.S. processor, said the Department of Agriculture should almost double its import quota to ease a shortage and cap escalating raw-material costs.

DMAIC Team Takes Aim at Improving Sugar Color, Boosting Production
When honey-toned, raw sugar arrives at Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery, it’s already 97 percent pure. Transforming it into pure, snow-white sugar requires taking out that last 3 percent of impurities.
Savannah’s Sugar Run in the News
On March 6, the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club will lead hundreds of participants on a special ride, writes Sandy Roach for the Savannah Morning News.

Back to ‘Fundamentals’ in Port Wentworth
The average worker only stays with an employer for approximately four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery, though, it’s not unusual to run into employees who have been with the company for 30 or 40 years.

Suit to Bar Genetically Modified Sugar Beets
Organic farmers in Oregon fear this year’s spring breezes will be carrying pollen from genetically altered sugar beets, which they say could render their crops worthless.

Battle Shaping Up Between Nutrition and Sweeteners
Before you chug down another regular soda, or spoon sugar into your tea or coffee, consider this: There’s a heated debate going on over the health risks of consuming too much sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other caloric sweeteners.

Building Stronger, More Strategic Vendor Relationships
“People often feel that requiring bids slows down the process,” says Yvette Woodard, senior procurement manager. “The fact is, the process can go quickly and it drives saving.”

Fair Trade Sugars: 2 million ways to make a difference
On January 31, 2010, Wholesome Sweeteners hit a milestone: The company has officially donated more than $2 million in Fair Trade Certified social premiums to sugar cane farmers and beekeepers in the developing world.

Sheptor Addresses Students at Business Today Conference
John Sheptor, president and CEO of Imperial Sugar Company, issued a challenge to a group of university students attending the recent Business Today Conference in Austin, Tx.
Decision on Sugar Beets Imminent
Plaintiffs in a lawsuit concerning genetically engineered sugarbeet seeds will argue March 5 for a preliminary injunction that would block the production or planting of the seeds, and the processing of beets produced by the seeds at least until June.