The Dutch sugar beet campaign for the 2025 harvest concluded on Sunday, January 25th. In 140 days, 7,7 million tons of sugar beets were processed.
CEO Maikel van Bakel of Cosun Beet Company reports excellent results from this campaign. The sugar content averaged 17,1%. An average of 91 tons of beets were grown per hectare, bringing the sugar production to 15,6 tons per hectare, equaling the record set in 2017.
Van Bakel is proud of the results achieved. He acknowledges that these record yields were achieved in a market under pressure. Global sugar prices have fallen further recently, and the supply in Europe is greater than expected.
In light of this, Cosun Beet Company decided last year to reduce its allocation for 2026 from 100% to 90%. "This decision is necessary due to the high yields and limited sales opportunities, and it contributes to a future-proof Cosun Beet Company with a good long-term return for our members," the beet processor stated.
Early this month, winter weather temporarily delayed beet supplies, prompting a slowdown in processing. The campaign was extended slightly, but according to the processor, this didn't significantly alter the overall positive picture.