Sunoko will produce 275.000 tons of sugar this year

The company Sunoko, a member of MK Group, has already begun the sugar beet processing campaign. This year, more than 1.9 million tons of sugar beets will be processed in all three Sunoko processing centers, resulting in the production of around 275,000 tons of sugar. The furnaces in the sugar factories in Pećinci and Kovačica were lit last week, while the lighting of the furnace in Vrbas is expected this week.

“Despite record-high temperatures and prolonged drought, Sunoko plans to produce close to 275,000 tons of sugar this year. This quantity meets the domestic market’s needs for sugar and also allows for exports. Our strategic plans remain focused on increasing placements in the CEFTA and EU markets, but to strengthen our position as a net exporter of sugar, high yields and quality in sugar beet production are essential, which is questionable in dry years like this one. Compared to other crops, we expect the least reduction in yields for sugar beets, but investing in irrigation systems is definitely a priority and makes a significant difference regarding the income per hectare that agricultural producers can achieve. Irrigation is a strategic topic for the development of Serbian agriculture, especially considering the consequences of climate change,” stated Slobodan Košutić, General Director of Sunoko.

This year, sugar beets have been sown on approximately 47,500 hectares in Serbia, and Sunoko’s sugar factories will process raw materials from about 33,400 hectares. Sugar beet producers have faced numerous challenges this year, primarily due to extremely unfavorable climatic conditions, which have particularly favored leaf diseases.

This year’s sugar beet processing campaign started earlier than in previous years due to long dry periods, which resulted in significant leaf drop and drying of the sugar beet roots. Sunoko and its Research and Development Center continuously provide expert assistance and support to their partners to ensure that as much sugar beet as possible is processed and preserved from spoilage. As a reminder, Sunoko offers the best conditions for contracting sugar beet production to its cooperators, and the terms for contracting for 2025 will be announced in September.