Sugar beet growers face difficult contract negotiations this spring after Associated British Foods (ABF) reported sustained losses in its sugar division, driven by lower selling prices in Europe and higher production costs.
A trading update issued by ABF, the parent company to British Sugar, showed ABF Sugar making significant operating losses which are forecast to persist throughout 2026.
ABF chief executive George Weston said: “In Sugar, the results were below our expectations and, given the current market conditions, we are more cautious on the outlook.”
Overall, sugar sales declined by 9% for the 24 weeks ended 28 February 2026, according to the group’s interim results announcement.
