Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has completed its 2025–2026 beet campaign with exceptionally high yields and sugar content, among the best recorded in many years. Favorable weather conditions and the strong performance of Belgian growers ensured a smooth campaign, even though the European sugar market remains under heavy pressure due to overproduction and rising imports.
Ideal conditions for sugar beet
The 2025–2026 beet campaign at Raffinerie Tirlemontoise ran from 15 September to 24 January. It started smoothly and continued in a stable manner throughout. A sunny spring, warm summer and the absence of extreme rainfall provided optimal growing conditions.
“The campaign got off to an excellent start,” explains Erwin Boonen, Director of Raw Materials. “Thanks to stable and relatively dry weather, our growers were able to sow early and take good care of the beets throughout the season. The extremely wet conditions seen in 2024 were avoided. This once again confirms that sugar beet thrives better in drier conditions. The conditions were ideal, and this is clearly reflected in the results.”
Record yields and high sugar content
Yields and sugar content were significantly higher than last year. On average, around 100 tonnes of beet per hectare were harvested, with a sugar content of over 18%. By comparison, in 2024 yields were below 80 tonnes per hectare, with sugar content below 16%. Harvesting and transport also proceeded generally smoothly.
Course of the campaign
The Tienen factory operated largely in a stable manner for beet processing. Sugar production was also very stable and at high capacity. In Wanze, the campaign progressed satisfactorily until early December, during which time the efforts and improvements made to the facilities clearly paid off. After that, unexpected technical issues occurred in the filtration section of the processing line, temporarily affecting the course of the campaign.
“Throughout the campaign, great attention was paid to safety and the preventive protection of our employees. We are very pleased that this focus on safety has been positively reflected in our indicators,” says CEO Jan Ingels.
Strong commitment to sustainability
Despite a challenging market environment, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise continues to invest in sustainability. In Tienen, three major projects have recently been completed: modernization of the boiler house, enabling an annual reduction of 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions; biomethane production; and the commissioning of an industrial heat pump.
“Sustainability is not a side issue; it is a strategic choice,” says Jan Ingels, CEO. “We want to produce more efficiently while reducing our ecological footprint.”
The company has also launched a new consumer product: Raw Beet Sugar, with a unique taste and color, entirely grown and produced in Belgium. This product responds to the growing demand for local and sustainable alternatives to cane sugar. Raffinerie Tirlemontoise continues to place sustainability and product quality at the heart of its priorities.
A sugar market under heavy pressure
The strong campaign performance contrasts with the difficult situation on the European sugar market. Due to overproduction and declining demand, the sugar price has fallen by nearly 40% since the end of 2023. In 2025, five sugar factories closed in Europe.
Additional imports, particularly from Mercosur countries and through certain existing derogation schemes, are further increasing the pressure on the market. Sector organizations warn against what they consider unfair competition, which threatens the future of European sugar production and beet cultivation.
Outlook
“Our priority for 2026 is clear,” concludes Jan Ingels. “We want to work more efficiently, reduce losses and control our costs. This is essential to remain competitive, even in a difficult market environment.”
“This year we are also celebrating our 190th anniversary,” he continues. “This is not a reason to rest on our laurels, but rather an additional motivation. Only through open dialogue and mutual understanding can we find balance in a particularly demanding market. Thanks to the commitment of our employees, our growers and the strength of our brands, we continue to build the future of sugar production in Belgium.”
