To mark its 190th anniversary, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise is hosting a special anniversary event today, bringing together employees, sugar beet growers, customers, partners and political representatives. The company is looking back on almost two centuries of expertise and craftsmanship, while above all looking ahead to the future of sustainable sugar production in Belgium.
Raffinerie Tirlemontoise celebrates 190 years of tradition, innovation and craftsmanship
Tienen, 6 August 2026 – To mark its 190th anniversary, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise is hosting a special anniversary event today, bringing together employees, sugar beet growers, customers, partners and political representatives. The company is looking back on almost two centuries of expertise and craftsmanship, while above all looking ahead to the future of sustainable sugar production in Belgium.
Since its foundation in Tienen in 1836, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has grown from a local sugar refinery into Belgium’s largest sugar producer. Today, the company combines nearly two centuries of experience with continuous innovation, with the ambition to continue producing high-quality sugar in a sustainable and future-oriented way.
2026 is also a special anniversary year for the Südzucker Group, which celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since Raffinerie Tirlemontoise became part of the Group in 1989, the company has contributed from Belgium to a strong international network where expertise, collaboration and innovation are key drivers.
“Our history is something to be proud of, but above all, we want to continue looking ahead. In this special anniversary year for both Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and the Südzucker Group, we see how important strong foundations are. By investing in innovation, sustainability and our people, we are building every day on a company that remains relevant and future-oriented for generations to come.”
Jan Ingels, CEO
Innovation as a tradition
Throughout its history, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has always combined tradition with innovation. From the invention of the sugar cube by Théophile Adant in 1902 to the development of pearl sugar and, more recently, Raw Beet Sugar, each product reflects the company’s ambition to respond to evolving needs while preserving the quality and expertise that define its identity.
This drive for innovation goes beyond products. Production processes are also continuously evolving to become more efficient and sustainable.
In 2023, a new state-of-the-art diffusion tower was commissioned. This investment reduces energy and water consumption and contributes to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. In 2025, another European first followed with the commissioning of an innovative high-temperature industrial heat pump. This technology enables the maximum recovery of residual heat from the production process, further reducing fossil energy consumption and lowering the environmental footprint of production.
In the years ahead, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise will continue to invest in its future. The company is currently preparing an integrated energy project focused on further electrifying the site, a direct connection to the high-voltage grid, battery energy storage (BESS) and an AI-driven Energy Management System. Through these investments, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise aims to further improve its energy efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions and sustainably secure its long-term competitiveness and production in Belgium.
In addition, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise is strongly committed to circular water management and the maximum valorisation of the sugar beet. Beyond sugar, co-products such as beet pulp and molasses are also given a useful purpose. In this way, the company contributes to an efficient and circular food chain, extracting as much value as possible from every sugar beet.
Building the future together with our sugar beet growers
A strong sugar industry starts in the fields. For generations, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has worked closely with Belgian sugar beet growers to process high-quality sugar beet from local production. This collaboration is an essential link in a strong and future-oriented Belgian agricultural and food chain.
Through initiatives such as Climate Farming, the company supports its growers in adopting more sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on soil health, biodiversity and the efficient use of natural resources.
Sugar beet is also a particularly circular crop. Almost every component of the beet finds a useful application, creating maximum value from the harvest. Together with its sugar beet growers, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise continues to invest in climate-resilient and future-oriented beet cultivation, ensuring that future generations can rely on a strong and sustainable sugar beet chain.
“Our collaboration with Belgian sugar beet growers has been the foundation of our activities for almost two centuries. Today, we are facing new challenges together, such as climate change and changing expectations regarding sustainability. By sharing knowledge and investing together in more sustainable cultivation methods, we are building the future of Belgian sugar beet production.”
Erwin Boonen, Raw Materials Director
Stronger together within the Südzucker Group
2026 is also a special anniversary year for the Südzucker Group, which celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since joining the Group in 1989, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has been part of a strong international network where expertise, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of its activities.
Within the Sugar Division, different sites work together to share knowledge, continuously improve processes and jointly build a sustainable future for the sugar industry.
People make the difference
Technology and innovation are essential, but the success of Raffinerie Tirlemontoise is first and foremost the story of people. For 190 years, generations of employees, sugar beet growers and partners have been committed every day to producing high-quality Belgian beet sugar.
From operators and maintenance teams to engineers, laboratory employees, agricultural specialists, drivers and colleagues in support functions: every employee contributes to the quality, reliability and continued development of the company.
During the anniversary celebration, the achievements of the company will not be the only focus. Above all, the event will honour the people behind its success: generations of employees, sugar beet growers, customers, suppliers and partners who have contributed over 190 years to building a strong Belgian agri-food company.
“Behind every sugar beet that is processed and every product that leaves our factory, there are people. The commitment and expertise of our employees, together with the collaboration with our sugar beet growers and partners, have formed the foundation of our success for 190 years. This anniversary is therefore first and foremost a tribute to them.”
Jan Ingels, CEO
Ready for the next 190 years
The motto “From Roots to Results” captures the ambition of Raffinerie Tirlemontoise: from the sugar beet in the field, our roots, through sustainable and innovative processing, to high-quality products for our customers. It represents the creation of value throughout the entire chain, in close collaboration with our sugar beet growers, employees, customers and partners.
Driven by this vision, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise will continue to invest in innovation, digitalisation, sustainable energy, more efficient production processes and collaboration. In doing so, the company aims to further strengthen its role as a leading Belgian sugar producer and contribute to a sustainable, competitive and future-oriented food industry.
