AB Sugar revenue was 12% ahead of last year, driven by stronger European sugar prices, higher Illovo domestic sales and improved pricing for bioethanol

ABF
  -  
Thursday, January 20, 2022
AB Sugar revenue was 12% ahead of last year, with operating profit ahead of last year. The revenue increase was driven by stronger European sugar prices, higher Illovo domestic sales and improved pricing for bioethanol produced by British Sugar at Wissington. All businesses have been focused on mitigating the effects of significant cost input inflation, particularly in energy costs. European sugar prices increased over last year as a consequence of low European sugar stocks combined with higher world market prices. Estimates for European sugar production in the 2021/22 campaign are slightly higher with a recovery in yields to more normal levels, supported by good growing conditions. Our UK and Spanish businesses have largely contracted sales for the financial year at these pricing levels. Sugar production in the UK for the 2021/22 campaign is expected to be 1.04 million tonnes, compared to 0.9 million tonnes produced in the last campaign with higher yields more than offsetting the reduced growing area. Energy costs are at very high levels but forward contracts have avoided the impact of these during the first quarter. Preparation for the start of production at the Vivergo biofuel plant in Hull is well advanced. The trading performance in Spain has improved, with higher prices and volumes partially offset by a higher proportion of sugar produced from cane raws. Illovo continued to deliver strong domestic sales in Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania along with a strong contribution from co-products in South Africa. However, there was some disruption to production in Zambia, Eswatini and Mozambique in the period. Contracts have been placed and site works commenced for a major expansion of our sugar production capacity in Tanzania.
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