Jan. 16 - Shareholders were advised in the Interim Report issued on 13 November 2007 that results for the current year ending 31 March 2008 would be impacted by the level of the rand compared to other currencies, the world sugar price, and final sugar production.
Due to adverse weather conditions in the latter part of the current season, final sugar production in both South Africa and Zambia was lower than previously forecast, resulting in the aggregate group sugar production estimate in 2007/08 declining to 1,8 million tons, which is 80 000 tons above last year but 75 000 tons below the previous forecast.
As a result of this and the lower world sugar prices as compared to the previous financial year, headline earnings per share and earnings per share for the year to 31 March 2008 are now expected to be only marginally above last year.
The forecast financial information on which this trading update is based has not been reviewed or reported upon by the company’s auditors. The company’s results for the year ending 31 March 2008 will be released on 21 May 2008.