In a grand ceremony held at Andaz by Hyatt, New Delhi, on 1st February 2024, the Sugar and Ethanol International Awards (SEIA) 2024 brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to celebrate outstanding achievements in the sugar, ethanol, and allied industries. The awards ceremony, a key highlight of the 3rd edition of the ‘Sugar & Ethanol India Conference- SEIC 2024,’ (held from 1st February to 2nd February 2024), aimed to acknowledge and commend exceptional contributions that have propelled the growth and development of the sugar, ethanol and allied sector.
Best Ethanol producer of the year (Highest Producer): Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd
A notable recipient of best ethanol producer of the year was Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML). BCML stands as one of India’s largest integrated private sector sugar companies, focusing on Sugar, Bio Ethanol, and Green Energy. Based in Kolkata, India, Mr. Vivek Saraogi leads as the Chairman & Managing Director, with a team of seasoned professionals. BCML operates 10 sugar factories in the cane-rich regions of Eastern and Central Uttar Pradesh, along with 4 distilleries and 10 cogeneration units. With an aggregate crushing capacity of 80,000 TCD (with a 2,000 TCD expansion underway), distillery and co-generation operations reach 1050 KLPD and 175.7 MW (saleable) respectively. The company prioritizes environmental responsibility through proactive investments in water conservation and effluent discharge moderation, enhancing recycling efforts.
Bollywood actress- Bhagyashree Patwardhan, presented an award to Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd for being best ethanol producer of the year.
At the award distribution ceremony, notable figures from the sugar industry nationwide were in attendance, including Uppal Shah, the founder and CEO of Chinimandi, Hemant Shah (Co-founder of Chinimandi), Jitu Shah, founder of J.K. Group, Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF), Sanjay Awasthi (Chairman, Council and Executive Committee of ISSCT and President, The Sugar Technologists Association of India), Atul Chaturvedi (Executive Chairman, Shree Renuka Sugars Limited), Murugesh Nirani, Founder, Chairman MRN (Nirani) Group, Amit Agrawal (Vice Chairman, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Limited), Suresh Agarwal (Chairman, Rika Global Impex Limited), Prasad Ghawate (Co-founder and Director at Rajganga Biorefineries), Sanjay Khatal, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Co-operative Sugar Factories Federation (MSCSF), and Husain Gangardiwala (Director, Chinimandi), among others.
The SEIA 2024 Awards Ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the commitment, innovation, and resilience displayed by professionals and organizations in the sugar and ethanol industries. The event provided a platform to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and lasting impacts made by individuals and organizations across various categories.
The awards were distributed across 28 categories, reflecting the diverse and multifaceted nature of the sugar, ethanol, and allied industries. From recognizing Sugarcane Producers (Farmers) to acknowledging entities in International Trade Houses, each category highlighted the crucial roles played by different stakeholders in shaping the landscape of these industries.
Some of the prominent categories included Private Mill, Cooperative Mill, Ethanol Producers, Standalone Distillery, Khandsari Mill, Domestic Trader, International Trader (Individual), Bulk Consumers, Sugar Mill Suppliers, and Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. Each award category sought to honor those who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and significant contributions in their respective fields.
SEIA 2024 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of innovation, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sugar, ethanol, and allied industries. The event brought together industry stalwarts, experts, and professionals, providing a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
As the curtains fell on SEIA 2024, the reverberations of recognition and celebration continue to echo through the industry. The awards served not only as a testament to the achievements of the winners but also as an inspiration for the entire sector to strive for greater heights, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in the years to come.
