In a significant policy shift, the Belizean government has officially removed price controls on prepackaged retail sugar, a move defended by Prime Minister John Briceño as beneficial for sugarcane farmers. The new regulations create a clear distinction between bulk sugar sold by weight, which remains under strict price control, and branded, pre-packaged sugar products now open to market competition.
Prime Minister Briceño clarified the policy framework during a recent press engagement: “What we have done is that with sugar being sold in bag that they weigh for you, that is being controlled. What is not controlled is the one packaged, with the label and all of that—one-pound, five-pound bags. That is not controlled and that is open to anybody who wants to package.”
The policy change enables multiple market participants—including Santander Sugar, local entrepreneurs, and even cane farmers themselves—to package and sell sugar directly to consumers. This deregulation represents a substantial departure from previous market restrictions that limited packaging operations primarily to Belize Sugar Industries (BSI).
When questioned about Santander’s potential dominance in local markets, PM Briceño acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding the company’s future role. Santander, which is developing sugar refining capabilities expected to become operational within one to two years, has expressed interest in accessing the domestic market.
The Prime Minister firmly rejected concerns that market liberalization might disadvantage local cane growers (caneros), stating: “Whenever we sell sugar on the local market the caneros benefit.” He emphasized that farmers retain the option to package and market their own sugar, potentially capturing additional value from the supply chain previously retained by processors.
This policy revision fundamentally alters Belize’s sugar market dynamics, introducing competitive packaging opportunities while maintaining consumer protections for traditionally weighed sugar purchases.