FAQ

Q – What is molasses?

A – Blackstrap Molasses is one of two byproducts in the production of sugar, bagasse (the residual fiber from cane stalks used as fuel ) being the other. Blackstrap Molasses is approximately 46% sugar. The majority of Blackstrap Molasses is used in the formulation of animal feed. A small percentage of Blackstrap Molasses is used in the fermentation process in alcohol distilleries.

Q - Who owns Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc.?

A – Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. is an agricultural cooperative established in 1969 by members engaged in growing, harvesting, and processing of sugar cane for the efficient marketing and distribution of Florida Sugar Cane Blackstrap Molasses.

Q – What is Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc.’s purpose?

A – The purpose of Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. is to efficiently market the molasses produced by the Florida sugar producers.

Q – How does Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. operate?

A – Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. operates as an agricultural marketing cooperative.

Q – How much molasses does Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. produce?

A - Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. does not produce any molasses, but rather markets the molasses produced by the Florida sugar producers. The annual amount of molasses marketed depends on the level of production by the Florida sugar mills which will vary year to year, however, it is in excess of 400,000 tons per year.

Q – Where does Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. ship molasses?

A – Through our logistics, Florida Sugar & Molasses Exchange, Inc. can transport molasses via rail tank cars domestically and to Canada. We can also transport molasses to the Port of Palm Beach where it can be exported via vessels to the international markets.

Q – What is the difference between molasses produced in Florida and elsewhere?

A – Florida sugar cane is grown in the highly fertile lands south of Lake Okeechobee called The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). The EAA was created by an act of Congress in 1948. Over 550,000 acres of fertile land from the southern edge of Lake Okeechobee was developed into farmland. Due to the fertility, Florida molasses will contain higher levels of protein than comparable molasses grown in other regions.