Jul 30 2009 5:20PM
* Mills association ISMA seen searching for successor
* Jain led ISMA for many years, was key industry figure
(Adds quotes, background)
By David Brough
LONDON, July 30 (Reuters) - S.L. Jain, a leading figure in the global sugar industry, said on Thursday he had retired as director-general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) and added that a successor had not yet been appointed.
India is a pivotal player in the world sugar market because it is the number 1 consuming country and number 2 producer after Brazil, and this year swung to net importer from exporter after a poor domestic harvest.
India's strong appetite for sugar has helped drive up sugar futures prices sharply this year, and analysts are now anticipating a substantial Indian import demand into next year after a weak and erratic monsoon.
"I have retired, not resigned, because I have reached the retirement age," Jain told Reuters by telephone from India.
He said that his retirement took effect nearly a month ago.
Asked whether a successor had been appointed, he said, "Not yet. I think they (ISMA) have to look for somebody."
Jain led the Indian Sugar Mills Association for many years and was a regular speaker at sugar conferences around the world.
Jain's speeches at conferences and his comments in panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions were closely scrutinised by the sugar trade because of the importance of India in the global industry.
Jain said he had not yet decided on any future plans in the sugar industry.
"I have not yet decided what to do," he said
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