Australia’s sugar industry is looking to rebound after a challenging period, with producers and suppliers pointing to diversification and new investment as the main pathways for future growth, Industry Update reported.
Industry stakeholders say expanding into biofuels and bioenergy could help sugar producers create additional income streams and reduce reliance on traditional sugar markets. Support for this direction is growing, particularly through initiatives such as Queensland’s $180 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, which has received backing from sugar industry bodies that see long-term potential beyond conventional sugar production.
After a difficult 2025 season, producers are expected to explore new growth options while also focusing on improving efficiency across their operations, said Eric Quevauvilliers, Queensland sales engineer at Bonfiglioli. He said investment in upgraded equipment and better energy use will be a priority as the industry moves forward.
According to Quevauvilliers, power transmission systems will remain central to efforts to modernise sugar mills and lift productivity. Bonfiglioli supplies a range of equipment used across sugarcane processing, including gearmotors, gearboxes and drive systems that help manage speed and power across different stages of production.
These systems are used throughout sugar mills, from moving harvested cane through early processing to later stages such as clarification and crystallisation. Quevauvilliers said the company’s long involvement in the sugar sector has helped it design equipment suited to demanding operating conditions, with a focus on durability, efficiency and reliable performance.
He added that flexibility is increasingly important, as mills often require solutions tailored to specific operating needs. This has driven the development of systems that can be adapted to different speed and load requirements.
Among the company’s commonly used products in the sugar sector are the 300M Series, the 3/H Series and the HD Series gear units. These are designed to handle heavy loads, operate reliably over long periods and require less frequent maintenance, making them suitable for continuous industrial use.
Quevauvilliers cited examples of equipment that has remained in service at Australian sugar mills for more than 15 years, saying this highlights the value of sound engineering, proper selection and regular maintenance.
As the industry looks to diversify and invest in new technologies, such long-lasting and reliable systems are expected to play an important role in supporting Australia’s sugar producers in their next phase of development.
