Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
As we move towards the end of the year, it has been a valuable time to reconnect with growers across the Herbert.
Our recent market update sessions were well attended, and we appreciated the opportunity to sit down with growers, discuss the current price environment, and talk through the options available to help manage risk. These sessions are an important way for us to understand what is happening on farms and to make sure we’re providing the right support at the right time.
One of our key initiatives to support growers is the early opening of the 2026 Pre-Season Payment. With the significant fall in sugar prices and the resulting impact on monthly advance payments, we know many growers are facing cash flow pressures leading into the Christmas period.
To help ease that pressure, growers who market with Wilmar can now access a $5 per tonne payment on their nominated 2026 season cane from 1 December. Repayments will not begin until the 2026 crush starts, and the current interest rate is 5%. This option is there for growers who need some extra breathing room heading into the New Year.
This month, we also say farewell to Franco Zaini, who is finishing up after an incredible 23 years in the sugar industry, including the past eight years with the Grower Marketing team. Franco has supported growers across the regions with professionalism, honesty and genuine care, and his contribution to both the industry and our team has been significant. We thank Franco sincerely for his dedicated service and wish him all the best for the next chapter.
As the year winds down, we would like to acknowledge the hard work and resilience shown by growers in what has been a challenging year for pricing. On behalf of the Grower Marketing team, we wish all growers and their families a safe and Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy some well-earned time with loved ones, and we look forward to working with you again in 2026.
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