Abstract: A process for treating impure cane-derived sugar juice comprises subjecting, in a clarification stage, the juice to microfiltration/ultrafiltration to decrease the levels of suspended solids, organic non-sugar impurities and/or color therein. The resultant clarified sugar juice is sequentially passed through an ion exchange stage by bringing the juice into contact with a strong acid cation ion exchange resin in the hydrogen form, and thereafter into contact with an anion ion exchange resin in the hydroxide form. A purified sugar solution is withdrawn from the ion exchange stage, and concentrated to produce a syrup. The syrup is subjected to primary crystallization in a primary crystallization stage, to produce refined white sugar and primary mother liquor. The primary mother liquor is subjected to secondary crystallization in a secondary crystallization stage, to produce impure crystallized sugar and white strap molasses.