Mr Jannik Olejas has been elected to the position of Chairman of the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) following the retirement of Mr John Pratt who had led the organisation since September 2015. Mr Olejas is the Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Sugar, Australia’s second largest raw sugar producer.
Mr Olejas’s election to Chairmanship of the Milling Council comes at an interesting time for the sugar industry as it emerges from the challenges of two La Nina influenced growing, harvesting and processing seasons that made conditions difficult. In some districts, this was combined with mill related operational challenges that has brought about a longer than desired season in 2021 and 2022.
Despite these challenges, raw sugar exports will be worth an estimated $2.2billion to the Queensland economy in 2022. With the world price for sugar continuing to provide a profitable return for Australian producers, Mr Olejas remains optimistic that the Australian industry has a strong foundation on which to build.
He said that his optimism for the future of the Australian sugar sector brought with it a range of challenges and opportunities, with the Milling Council concentrating policy and advocacy efforts around 4 key issues.
Major focus areas for ASMC are stabilising land under cane and cane supply; energy and carbon policy and the interaction with renewable energy; continuing efforts around trade and market access; and decreasing the regulatory burden that inhibits our industry.
The sector is energised by the opportunity to contribute to the dual goals of increasing Queensland’s renewable energy supply while reducing emissions following the release of the Queensland Energy & Jobs Plan”, Mr Olejas said.
“In addition, ASMC will continue to offer a range of direct value add benefits to members such as advocating for a regulatory and policy environment that can unlock future investment and a focus on regional communities where we can attract the skills and labour needed to maintain and grow our industry.
Mr Olejas said he was looking forward to working with his fellow ASMC Directors and the broader sugar industry to ensure a continuation of the common advocacy and policy response to matters that impact the whole sugar industry.
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Background
Jannik Olejas
Jannik was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Sugar in April 2020, having previously held the role of General Manager from September 2019, following the completion of the subscription into Mackay Sugar by Nordzucker AG.
Jannik had previously been employed by Danisco Sugar A/S since 1992. Following the acquisition of Danisco Sugar A/S by Nordzucker AG in 2009, he held various positions with Nordzucker, initially within Sales & Marketing and subsequently in Agriculture. He has worked internationally with clients, suppliers and stakeholders across Europe.
Jannik holds a degree in Sales & Marketing from Copenhagen Business School and has undertaken various general management training courses at International Business Schools.
Australian Sugar Milling Council
The Australian Sugar Milling Council is a voluntary organisation, established in 1987 to represent Australian raw sugar mill owners. The Milling Council is the peak policy forum for mill owners and has as its mission to be an influential voice for change in the Australian sugar industry through leadership and policy advocacy.
The Milling Council works with its members, other industry organisations and government to develop and promote policies that enhance the commercial development of the sugar industry in Australia.
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