The sugar content in beets is currently not increasing. Last week, the content remained at a national average of 17,2%.
The first week of the campaign has shown the highest sugar levels so far. Normally, sugar levels increase weekly at the beginning of autumn. So far, this hasn't happened. The average after five weeks is also 17,2%, according to a survey by beet processor Cosun Beet Company.
The southwest continues to excel in terms of sugar content in beets. West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen yields the sweetest beets, with 18,7% sugar in the fifth week of the campaign. Tholen and Sint Philipsland remain the highest in this five-week campaign, with 18,5% sugar.
On the other hand, there are several areas where the sugar content remains stuck at 16,6%. This applies to Southern Flevoland, Salland/Twente, De Kempen, Lijmers/Oude IJssel, and North Holland Central.
Damage in processing
The tare percentage is increasing slightly. In campaign week 5, it rose to 8,2%. In the first week, processing began with 5,6% tare in the beets. Cosun is urging its 9.000 beet growers to avoid contamination with wood, stones, metal, and plastic. Photos of a bicycle and a top link in the cutting mills are shown.
Damage to the blades used to cut the beets has forced processing to be halted. This is very costly. Two weeks ago, the Groningen factory experienced technical problems. If this results in the campaign being extended, Cosun estimates the cost will be €300.000 per day.