9 March 2005

Record breaking sugar factory leads the world

Following an extremely successful processing 'campaign' and a record 18,503 tonnes of sugar beet processed in a 24 hour period, the Wissington sugar factory near Downham Market, Norfolk has claimed the title of 'leading sugar beet processing facility in the world'.

Processing around 2.4 million tonnes of UK grown sugar beet every year, British Sugar's Wissington plant is the largest and most efficient operation of its type in the world.

A few beet sugar factories in Europe produce more crystal sugar on a daily basis but none, say British Sugar, process so much sugar beet in a season, or produce so much sugar each year. As a result, they cannot match the efficiency of its UK operation. Some beet sugar factories in Minnesota, USA come close but even with their extended processing season, they don't beat the UK's 'flagship on the fens'.

Commenting on the operation at Wissington, chief executive Mark Carr pointed out, "It is the scale of this and our other factories, coupled with the innovative way we operate them, which makes us the most efficient sugar producer in Europe. We have continually invested in this industry over many years which has allowed us to rationalise our business and drive efficiencies. The current review of the Sugar Regime will undoubtedly mean further challenges but, in line with the Commission's own objectives, we believe that any reductions in European production should be made by encouraging high cost industries to rationalise, rather than by forcing cuts on efficient industries like ours. This makes economic sense, and also increases competition amongst the remaining, efficient producers, to the ultimate benefit of the consumer."

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Editors notes

The UK beet sugar industry produces 1.1 million tonnes of sugar each year for the UK market - just over half the country's requirements. The remaining 1 million tonnes (just under half the UK's requirements) are imported from developing countries.

British Sugar plc is the lowest cost producer in the EU 25.

Sugar beet productivity in the UK, averaging almost 10 tonnes of sugar per hectare, is consistently ranked in the top 4 in the EU 25.

The UK sugar industry supports around 20,000 jobs throughout the economy.

Sugar beet produces a wide range of environmental benefits, including increased biodiversity, lower agrochemical inputs and by providing habitats for Britain's birdlife.

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