The validity of the results provided by the sugar mill laboratories is essential for proper sugar production monitoring.

The eRcane intercalibration programme (launched in 2007) compares the analytical results of laboratories in the network to ensure continuous improvement.

On an quarterly annual basis, two perfectly homogeneous samples of molasses, white sugar and brown sugar are distributed among the participants. The results are collected and processed at eRcane. A specific report for each individual is sent to the head of each laboratory.

This practice makes it possible to identify areas of non-compliance, propose potential avenues for improvement in the application of protocols and for monitoring changes in laboratory performance.

Around 20 laboratories in the French overseas departments (DOM) and Africa (Réunion, West Indies, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tanzania) regularly participate in this process.