Hippo Valley previously forecast annual output at 222 000 tons and total industry production of 460 000 tons. The company is expecting better productivity on the back of a possible boost in sales volumes. A better rainy season has also provided steady water reservoirs for the company, which in turn will boost cane growing programmes that have previously been affected by erratic water supplies. "Because of a positive irrigation and water situation, all the land is going to be put to better use. We supply the domestic market with 100 percent of its requirements," Mutsambiwa added. The company said in July that its parent company, Tongaat Hulett, planned "to increase production by increasing hectarage so we can produce about 610 000 tons per annum". This had necessitated an investment of about $6.8 million (R75.2m) by Tongaat Hulett. Hippo Valley has been the hardest hit by rising imports, which have cut into the sales volumes of local companies.