Nordzucker AG completes biggest campaign in its history

Peak yields in most regions following textbook growing conditions

21-Jan-2015 - Germany

Braunschweig-based Nordzucker AG is set to report the biggest campaign in Northern Germany since the companyʼs establishment. Record yields in most growing regions mark a triumphant end to a farming year that started off with almost ideal conditions and enjoyed optimal weather throughout the growth period, resulting in a record-breaking harvest.

The five Nordzucker plants in Northern Germany are expected to finish processing by 24 January. On 13 January, Nordstemmen was the first to complete processing. The plants in Klein Wanzleben and Schladen will follow on 20 January and finally Clauen on 21 January. The Uelzen plant is expected to wrap up on 24 January. This year’s campaign lasted a total of 130 days (previous year: 102).

Sugar yields of 14 tonnes per hectare were well above last year's figure (11 tonnes). “Early sowing, ideal weather and continuous advances in plant strains and cultivation methods have delivered this great harvest”, sums up Claus-Friso Gellermann, Head of Agri Center Germany. “We are delighted by this result, which also shows the performance the sugar beet is capable of.” When expertise, ideal weather conditions and early sowing all come together, the beet can achieve its full potential. However, Gellermann noted, “We have never had a year like this before. We are well on the way to achieving our ambitious target of 20 tonnes of sugar from 20 per cent of the top farmers by the year 2020.”

The five Northern Germany plants produced top-quality sugar throughout the entire campaign. “Our focused investments in all plants contributed to how smoothly this campaign went”, emphasised Dr Michael Gauss, Head of Production. Overall the plants were able to process very high-quality beet. Meanwhile, the tense market environment has presented a challenge. “This year an unprecedented volume of sugar is being met by weak prices”, he explained. Next year the campaign will be much shorter as a result, due to a reduction in land under cultivation and significantly lower volumes of beet.

Please note: As in previous years, the consolidated results of the entire campaign will be published on our website in February once the campaign has been completed.

https://www.yumda.com/en/news/1144446/nordzucker-ag-completes-biggest-campaign-in-its-history.html