Belize is poised to revolutionize the Caribbean sugar industry with the construction of the region’s first-ever sugar refinery, marking a significant advancement in agricultural value chain development. The transformative $40 million project, funded by U.S.-based SUCRO Sourcing and implemented through Santander Sugar, represents a strategic leap for Belize’s agricultural sector currently under development with an anticipated operational date of April 2026.
This groundbreaking initiative will enable Belize to transition from primarily exporting raw, plantation white, and brown sugar to producing refined sugar—a commodity that Belize and numerous CARICOM member states currently import from outside the region. The investment agreement was formalized during the Belize Investment Summit and received formal endorsement from CARICOM through its Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
Beverly Burke, Public Relations Manager at Santander Sugar, revealed that the refinery concept has been part of the company’s strategic vision for over a decade. “A refinery was our plan from the very inception from the day Santander came to Belize,” Burke stated. “It’s a natural fit that represents the next evolutionary stage for our growing operations.”
The project addresses a significant gap in the Caribbean market, where all refined sugar is currently imported despite the region’s substantial sugar production capabilities. Burke emphasized the expected economic impact: “The economic impact is definitely going to be significant. New Belizean hires will be coming on board to ensure continuity.”
The refinery initiative promises enhanced regional production capabilities, value-added manufacturing development, and reduced dependency on extra-regional imports while contributing to social security, income tax revenues, and the nation’s overall GDP. The operation aims to deliver affordable, accessible refined sugar while maintaining competitive pricing and sustainable operations.