# European sugar industry market volatility

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-sugar-industry-market-volatility
> Updated: 2026-10-23T10:47:48.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4.

The European sugar industry has faced significant instability due to fluctuating wholesale prices and changing production demands. Initially, the sector experienced an acceleration in factory closures across several countries, including Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, and the United Kingdom. This downturn was driven by falling wholesale prices—dropping from €844 to €510 per tonne over a two-year period—and increased competition from cheaper imports.

Market outlooks have since shifted toward a potential price recovery. Südzucker, Europe’s largest producer, anticipates rising prices driven by tightening supplies. CEO Niels Pörksen noted that drought and low rainfall have negatively impacted the European Union’s sugar beet harvest, with production expected to be approximately 1 million metric tonnes lower than in 2024. Supply is being further constrained by the diversion of sugar beet production toward ethanol manufacturing to meet biofuel demand.

Recent developments indicate a deepening production crisis. For the 2026/2027 campaign, the European Union expects sugar production to reach approximately 14.1 million tons, down from 16.6 million tons the previous year, marking the lowest production level in nearly 50 years. Prolonged drought and high temperatures continue to drive this decline. In Croatia, despite an increase in planted area, production is expected to drop significantly as some beets suffer from rot.

Furthermore, domestic producers are struggling with rising energy costs, specifically gas prices which have reportedly tripled compared to the previous year. In response, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is increasing national support for sugar beet producers from 1.3 to 2.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Südzucker reports improved EBITDA and profit turnaround

Südzucker reported a turnaround in its first half of 2026/27, with EBITDA rising to 303 million euros and a net surplus of 61 million euros.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sdzucker-reports-improved-ebitda-and-profit-turnaround

### 2026-10-20: Sugar production faces decline due to drought and rising costs

Sugar production is expected to drop significantly due to drought and rot, while rising gas prices further strain Croatian producers. EU production may hit a 50-year low.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sugar-production-faces-decline-due-to-drought-and-rising-costs

### 2026-10-07: Südzucker reports half-year profit amid rising sugar price concerns

Südzucker reports a 61 million euro half-year surplus, driven by biofuels, while warning that drought and ethanol demand may drive up European sugar prices.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-corporate-updates-bae-systems-tests-anti-drone-tech-and-xtb-expands

### 2026-10-05: European sugar industry faces factory closures amid falling prices

European sugar factories are closing rapidly as falling wholesale prices, high production costs, and increased competition from imports squeeze the profitability of beet sugar producers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-sugar-industry-faces-factory-closures-amid-falling-prices

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Cite as: European sugar industry market volatility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-sugar-industry-market-volatility