The group produces raw and refined sugar for local, regional African, European Union (EU), United States and world markets from sugar cane supplied by its own agricultural operations and independent growers who supply cane to Illovo's factories.

Until the 1960s, Illovo was a subsidiary of the General Mining Company of South Africa, which sold a 49% shareholding in the business to Tate & Lyle in 1969.

[2] Today it is a subsidiary of Associated British Foods Plc., which purchased 51% of the issued share capital for more than £400m in 2006.

[4][5] Illovo employs more than 12,000 permanent staff and 18,000 more on a temporary basis.

[citation needed] Illovo Sugar's subsidiary Zambia Sugar is listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange, under the symbol ZSUG.