Sugar rush on the way at end of restrictions

A strong future awaits the British sugar industry as European production restrictions are lifted, according to one of its leading figures.

British Sugar managing director Mr Paul Kenward said the company’s Newark factory was set to smash productions records this year.

He hoped the lifting of European restrictions from Sunday would lead to high levels of production in future years.

Mr Kenward said: “We saw this reform coming from ten years ago and we have been working really hard so that we are fit to compete in this new world.

“We are now one of the lowest-cost processors in the world and our farmers have increased their field yields by 50%.

“We are now free and we want to compete in a free and fair market.”

Mr Kenward said when there was a bumper crop three years ago, British Sugar had to store some of it because quotas had been exceeded.

Record levels

He said there would be an increase in capacity at Newark but it was too early to say how many jobs would be created there.

“I do believe there is a strong future for this great British industry,” he said.

“If you talk to the factory team today, they will tell you they are going to be running at record levels because nature has been kind to us with the weather.”

Mr Kenward said the Newark factory would be setting new records this year for sugar production.

“That will have some impact on jobs this year,” he said.

“We are refining our expansion plans at the moment.

“We will look to produce that level of sugar every year.”

Newark MP Mr Robert Jenrick said like British Sugar, other companies would soon be free from the EU’s regime and they would be able to expand their businesses, free from quotas and free from price restrictions.

“Here, we have got a British business in our area that is very excited, not just about the short-term, when this regime comes to an end, but looking to our departure of the European Union,” he said.

“The opportunities are going to be available to employ more people, to invest in the technology and buildings here in Newark and throughout the country, to use our local farmers even more, to grow more crops, and to expand and to export across the world.

'The iconic Newark business'

“This will take a British product, which is one of the most competitive in the world — the quality and price is as good as anything else on the market — and see it sold all over the world.

“I have always seen British Sugar as the iconic Newark business.

“If you live in the town, you will always know someone who works at it. There are families who have worked here over several generations.

“If you do not know Newark well but you have driven past or caught the train, you will have seen the silos, particularly in the season, and you will have smelt it in the air when you come shopping in Newark.

“It is really part of the rich history of the town and I want to see it succeed.

“What we have heard today is that there is a bright future for British Sugar nationally and in particular in Newark.

“To hear that straight from the managing director of the business, with the secretary of state, is extremely positive.”