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2026/27 contract for sugar beet crop agreed by NFU Sugar and British Sugar

15 August 2025

A deal for the 2026/27 sugar beet contract has been agreed between NFU Sugar and British Sugar following the conclusion of annual negotiations. 

The following contract options have been agreed for the 2026/27 crop: 

• A one-year fixed price contract at £30/t, for up to 65% of the contract 
• A one-year contract with a guaranteed base price of £25/t, plus a Market-linked Bonus for up to 100% of the contract 
• An Index-linked contract (previously known as “Futures-linked”), for up to 50% of their contract 
• Yield Protection contract at a £1/t reduction on the fixed and Market-linked bonus contract prices 
• Transport allowance up to 60 miles for all factories 
• One-year contract holiday for up to 750kt CTE, on first come, first served basis 
• Plus, an interest-free cash advance option, late delivery allowance, and complimentary frost insurance 

Kit Papworth, Chair, NFU Sugar Board, said: “I am pleased we have managed to come to a negotiated agreement with British Sugar plc for the 2026 sugar beet contract.

"The deal offers growers choices to suit individual business circumstances, and balances challenging sugar market conditions and the increasing costs and risks of growing sugar beet in the UK.” 

Keith Packer, Managing Director, British Sugar, said: “Together, we have agreed a deal for all reflecting the challenging market forces we continue to weather as an industry. 

"This year’s contract is the product of many months of hard work with NFU Sugar, giving growers much-needed security at what is a volatile time for farm incomes.  

“We’re offering valuable options like an interest-free cash advance, a Market-Linked Bonus for a share of the upside when the market is favourable, plus an Index-Linked Contract for those with a greater appetite for risk and reward. 

“Our growers are at the heart of our homegrown sugar industry. As British Sugar celebrates centenaries at our two largest factories, we want to continue to strengthen and refine how we work together, so that our partnership is fit for the next 100 years.” 

For interviews with British Sugar, please contact press@britishsugar.com.