The harvest and production period has begun at sugar manufacturer Pfeifer & Langen in Könnern. "As every year, operations are running without interruption, as the raw material can only be stored for a limited time and technological sugar production cannot tolerate any interruptions," the company announced. The factory is preparing for a long season.
Sugar production is expected to continue until mid-January. The company expects "a solid average harvest - with beet tending to be sweeter than last year", it said. Extreme weather and pests are increasingly presenting farmers with challenges when growing beet. In the area surrounding the plant in the Salzland district, the main problem is the reed glasswing cicada.
More than 190 people are employed at the sugar factory. There are also seasonal workers and trainees. According to Pfeifer & Langen, it is one of the leading sugar manufacturers in Europe. The company has 25 sites in Europe.
Nordzucker also launches sugar beet campaign
The most important phase of the year has also already begun at sugar producer Nordzucker. In addition to the Braunschweig-based group's plants in Lower Saxony, harvesting and production has also begun at the Nordzucker plant in Klein Wanzleben.
Nordzucker is expecting a good result this year. "The beet has emerged well in many places and has developed well in most regions," said CEO Lars Gorissen.
It is not yet possible to make any statements about the sugar content of the beet. This also depends on the weather conditions. "The weather conditions up to the harvest are crucial for the further growth of the beet and, above all, for sugar production." High temperatures and drought at the beginning of August have recently caused concerns. In addition, the risk of plant diseases is increasing in some regions.
Nordzucker produces sugar, animal feed, fertilizer and energy at a total of 21 locations in Europe and Australia. Together they employ 4,100 people.
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