France’s second-largest sugar producer, Cristal Union, has reported a increase in sugar production for the 2024-25 season, reaching 1.5 million metric tonnes, up from 1.3 million tonnes in the previous season. This boost in output is primarily attributed to a larger area harvested by its cooperative members.
Additionally, Cristal Union’s ethanol and alcohol production rose to 2 million hectolitres in 2024-25, a notable increase from over 1.6 million hectolitres in 2023-24.
According to a company spokesperson, the increase was due to a 6% rise in the sugar beet area harvested this season, which offset a fall in yield to nearly 84 tonnes per hectare, below the five-year average, against more than 86 tonnes per hectare last season.
The sugar beet yields are calculated based on a 16% sugar content.
Cristal Union’s production increase aligns with an overall rise in sugar beet output across France, despite yields dropping due to unfavorable weather conditions. In line with its growth strategy, Cristal Union recently announced the acquisition of the Lesaffre family refinery located south of Paris, further consolidating its position in the French sugar industry. The company also reached an agreement to continue processing sugar beets for members of the Ouvre factory, which has decided to close its operations.
