The 'White Gold' Era

Historically, Madeira was a major producer and supplier of what was referred to as the ‘white gold’.
By this time sugar was considered a luxury and slaves were brought in from Africa to work in the sugarcane farms and mills. As plantations expanded this industry became very important to the local economy.

By the 16^th century, Madeira was the largest sugar exporter in the world. Funchal port, being a busy sugar trading centre, was frequently visited by merchants who would trade various products, including works of arts, in exchange for sugar. Cristopher Columbus was one of such merchants.

Thanks to the success of the sugarcane business, historical monuments and buildings of great value and importance were built in Madeira, such as the Cathedral of Funchal and the Museum of Sacred Art.

Unfortunately, in the 17^th century sugarcane production fell due to over-production and a cane disease that decimated the fields.
Today, three sugarcane processing factories still exist and in early April their machines are put to work processing the raw constituents of honey (cane syrup) molasses and rum.  You may visit these factories at Calheta, Porto da Cruz and Ribeiro Sêco in Funchal.
Don’t forget to visit the Sugar Museum whilst in Madeira to learn more about the ‘white gold’.