JSE-listed sugarcane and maize producer Tongaat Hulett's operating profit for the six months ended September 30 fell by 23% year-on-year to R1.3-billion. This movement mainly reflects the impact of lower sugar production by the company's South African operation, increased expenses in Zimbabwe and the R183-million benefit from the profit on disposal of the Namibian packaging operation in the prior period. Excluding the disposal of the Namibia operations, operating profit decreased by 10%. As such, the group reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of R1.5-billion, down 33% (excluding the disposals) from the R2.3-billion Ebitda in the corresponding period in 2020. Profit before tax for the period improved by 23% year-on-year to R677-million as a result of the lower debt costs.