Suiker Unie will start its annual beet campaign on 11 September this season. In addition, inulin producer Sensus will start processing chicory roots into inulin on that date. Cosun will announce this on Wednesday 23 August.
Cosun expects to complete the beet campaign on 25 January 2018. This is based on the revenue forecast and the processing forecast. Sensus expects to be ready with the chicory campaign somewhat earlier, namely in the first week of January 2018.
Good yield forecast
Suiker Unie expects to harvest approximately 7,4 million tons of beet during this campaign. The forecast for this year has been set at 14,6 tons of sugar per hectare, with a carrot yield of 86 tons of beets per hectare and a sugar content of 17%. That is far above the 5-year average of 13,8 tons of sugar per hectare.
However, the record year 2014, in which 15,1 tons of sugar per hectare was harvested, will probably not be achieved this year.
Correct berth is important
This year, Cosun is paying extra attention to the right berth. Well before the beets have to be harvested, the berth must be carefully considered. Attention must also be paid to the correct dimensions and good accessibility.
Sensus starts processing chicory roots
The cultivation yield is expected to be above average. René Schunselaar, Agro manager at Sensus: "We are also aiming for that. Up to and including 2014, the yield has been an average of 7 tons of inulin per hectare of chicory. The aim is to achieve an additional yield of 4% annually. tons in the year 10." According to Schunselaar, this is possible by paying extra attention to the improvement of varieties, cultivation innovations and cultivation optimisation. The latter is done in collaboration with the grower.
In addition, Schunselaar does not expect any particularities from this campaign. "The conditions seem optimal. The growing condition is good, the leaves are healthy and there is a lot of sunlight."
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