Paris: Uninterrupted rainfall in recent weeks has disrupted sugar beet harvesting in France, forcing half of Tereos sugar factories to slow production, reported Reuters.
Tereos, France’s largest sugar producer, announced the production slowdown on Wednesday, citing the impact of nearly uninterrupted rainfall since mid-October.
Meteorological data from Meteo France indicates that large parts of the country received more than 30% above average rainfall in October, significantly hampering sugar beet harvesting activities.
“We have adapted the pace of the factories to cope with available stocks in the plains,” a Tereos spokesperson explained.
While some factories in the south of Tereos’ supply zone, including Artenay, Connantre, Bucy, and Chevrieres, have been able to resume normal production, others remain affected by the supply shortage.
Tereos currently operates eight remaining sugar factories in France, following the closure of its Escaudoeuvres site in northern France and its sale to fries maker Agristo.
Despite the production slowdown, Tereos’ second-largest competitor, Cristal Union, maintains normal production capacity at all its factories. Cristal Union anticipates having sufficient beet stocks for at least a week and is confident in maintaining normal production levels.
