News and views

As I browse the web researching various topics concerning the EU and UK sugar markets, I've been bookmarking interesting weblinks. Some of these are news clippings, some are links to official documents, and some are interesting data sources.

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24/2/2025
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ASR Group

Tate & Lyle Sugars Bestowed Royal Warrant from King Charles III

ASR Group is please to share Tate & Lyle Sugars has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III. This distinguished recognition permits the use of the Royal Arms in connection with our business in the United Kingdom, underscoring the exceptional standards and quality we proudly uphold. A Royal Warrant is one of the highest accolades a business can achieve, steeped in centuries of tradition. Originating in the 12th century, Warrants have been granted by monarchs and senior members of the Royal Family to select businesses that meet rigorous standards. Today, only around 550 companies worldwide hold this special privilege, placing Tate & Lyle Sugars among an exclusive and esteemed group. Previously, we were honored to display a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on our UK products for more than 60 years. When Queen Elizabeth died in 2022, we entered the rigorous reapplication process for the new King’s Warrant. “Our success in being awarded a new Royal Warrant reflects the hard work that we all put in to making our business a success,” said Gerald Mason, Tate & Lyle Sugars’ Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs. “It’s a recognition of the long history that we have in the UK, and our proud 100-plus year history of supplying the Royal Household. Additionally, the Warrant is a reflection on the progress that we have made when it comes to sustainability.”

21/1/2025
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VILT, the Flemish Information Centre for Agriculture and Horticulture

Tiense Suiker beet campaign: yield and sugar content in beets "disappointing"

The beet campaign of Tiense Suiker is "disappointing" this year, according to Erwin Boonen, director of raw materials, on Tuesday. Both in terms of the number of sugar beets delivered and the sugar content in those beets, it is a disappointing campaign. The sugar factory previously announced that it will reduce the area by 15 percent this year.Because good yields have been registered in the rest of Europe, there is, across Europe as a whole, a small overproduction of sugar. "Across the entire Südzucker Group (to which Tiense Suikerraffinaderij belongs, ed.), we will therefore enter into contracts for 15 percent less surface area of ​​beets next year. This should keep production and supply more in balance," Boonen explains. "We look to the future with confidence, but we must continue to adapt to the circumstances. More rapprochement with a large sugar producer such as Ukraine, the Mercosur agreement, the disappearance of certain crop protection products: it will all have an impact." "Between September and October, the European sugar price fell by 150 euros, while it fell further in November. Currently, the price is around 600 euros. A year ago, it was about 850 euros," says Boonen. According to him, this is not enough for profitable sugar processing. "For sustainable, future-oriented sugar beet cultivation, with the necessary investments, at least 700 euros is needed," he says.