10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sugar Beet
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sugar Beet
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sugar Beet- Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is the
sugar-producing plant besides sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum). Specifically,
about 35% of the world's sugar production comes from sugar beet. In terms of
biological aspects, sugar beet is a root crop usually grown in sub-tropical
areas with cold temperatures, but recently an
invention of beet varieties can thrive in tropical climatic conditions.
Furthermore, based on the life cycle, sugar beet can be included as a
biennial plant, naturally completing its life cycle
in 2 years. In the first year, leaves are produced, and the energy from
photosynthesis is stored as sucrose in a swollen tap root. Meanwhile, in the
second year, this energy would be used to produce a tall seed head (Thomas,
2016). In terms of taxonomy aspects, this can be included in Kingdom: Plantae;
Clade: Tracheophytes; Clade: Angiosperms; Order: Caryophyllales; Family:
Amaranthaceous; Genus: Beta; Species: B. Vulgaris. Because it is included in
the Amaranthaceae family, it has close relations
with quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild), Celosia cristata, and Amaranthus plants.
World Productions, Harvested Areas, and Yield of Sugar beet from 1961 to 2024
|
Years |
World's Area harvested Sugar beet plants |
World's Production of Sugar beet |
Yield of Sugar beet |
|
(Hectare (Ha)) |
(Tons) |
(Tons/ hectare (T/ha) |
|
|
1961 |
6,926,098 |
160,501,987 |
23.17 |
|
1962 |
6,903,028 |
149,172,711 |
21.61 |
|
1963 |
7,540,518 |
164,975,629 |
21.88 |
|
1964 |
8,344,197 |
216,206,931 |
25.91 |
|
1965 |
8,009,880 |
197,376,224 |
24.64 |
|
1966 |
7,855,161 |
212,270,253 |
27.02 |
|
1967 |
7,898,717 |
233,455,177 |
29.56 |
|
1968 |
7,787,853 |
248,856,658 |
31.95 |
|
1969 |
7,650,033 |
216,920,772 |
28.36 |
|
1970 |
7,594,912 |
224,251,952 |
29.53 |
|
1971 |
7,606,069 |
227,540,795 |
29.92 |
|
1972 |
7,967,248 |
240,336,963 |
30.17 |
|
1973 |
8,153,675 |
250,104,320 |
30.67 |
|
1974 |
8,204,662 |
234,922,029 |
28.63 |
|
1975 |
9,043,782 |
251,310,276 |
27.79 |
|
1976 |
9,431,553 |
296,408,369 |
31.43 |
|
1977 |
9,119,211 |
288,582,476 |
31.65 |
|
1978 |
9,047,772 |
282,834,069 |
31.26 |
|
1979 |
8,795,804 |
262,752,809 |
29.87 |
|
1980 |
8,865,859 |
267,856,451 |
30.21 |
|
1981 |
9,297,137 |
287,840,286 |
30.96 |
|
1982 |
9,055,387 |
291,773,194 |
32.22 |
|
1983 |
8,826,171 |
274,395,485 |
31.09 |
|
1984 |
8,806,714 |
296,351,939 |
33.65 |
|
1985 |
8,649,067 |
284,155,160 |
32.85 |
|
1986 |
8,667,085 |
286,334,048 |
33.04 |
|
1987 |
8,670,887 |
299,751,636 |
34.57 |
|
1988 |
8,657,643 |
293,570,876 |
33.91 |
|
1989 |
8,601,865 |
314,402,899 |
36.55 |
|
1990 |
8,651,219 |
309,038,334 |
35.72 |
|
1991 |
8,571,222 |
285,129,013 |
33.27 |
|
1992 |
8,331,124 |
281,711,850 |
33.81 |
|
1993 |
8,058,908 |
282,190,590 |
35.02 |
|
1994 |
7,876,625 |
254,453,796 |
32.30 |
|
1995 |
7,764,367 |
264,504,903 |
34.07 |
|
1996 |
7,482,726 |
264,461,343 |
35.34 |
|
1997 |
7,075,874 |
267,973,956 |
37.87 |
|
1998 |
6,850,955 |
263,032,522 |
38.39 |
|
1999 |
6,590,811 |
260,565,420 |
39.53 |
|
2000 |
6,000,354 |
250,076,146 |
41.68 |
|
2001 |
6,014,965 |
230,254,845 |
38.28 |
|
2002 |
6,027,687 |
259,549,099 |
43.06 |
|
2003 |
5,658,886 |
232,643,614 |
41.11 |
|
2004 |
5,467,540 |
251,526,204 |
46.00 |
|
2005 |
5,402,248 |
253,676,280 |
46.96 |
|
2006 |
5,433,990 |
253,961,161 |
46.74 |
|
2007 |
5,157,704 |
246,902,404 |
47.87 |
|
2008 |
4,261,680 |
221,098,439 |
51.88 |
|
2009 |
4,245,016 |
227,971,371 |
53.70 |
|
2010 |
4,693,567 |
228,366,809 |
48.66 |
|
2011 |
5,074,478 |
278,760,084 |
54.93 |
|
2012 |
4,900,692 |
269,561,140 |
55.00 |
|
2013 |
4,344,286 |
247,624,316 |
57.00 |
|
2014 |
4,469,090 |
270,249,851 |
60.47 |
|
2015 |
4,208,459 |
240,323,041 |
57.10 |
|
2016 |
4,587,874 |
278,817,623 |
60.77 |
|
2017 |
4,984,108 |
313,976,243 |
63.00 |
|
2018 |
4,788,336 |
273,429,313 |
57.10 |
|
2019 |
4,650,181 |
280,730,754 |
60.37 |
|
2020 |
4,336,606 |
250,449,290 |
57.75 |
|
2021 |
4,427,034 |
269,005,730 |
60.76 |
|
2022 |
4,298,597 |
260,004,005 |
60.49 |
|
2023 |
4,533,709 |
283,107,259 |
62.44 |
|
2024 |
4,654,093 |
293,624,598 |
63.09 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|||
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Data (FAOSTAT) in 2026, the
statistical production, area harvested, and yield of sugar beet was a relatively mixed trend.
From 1961 to 1982, the world’s production of sugar beet gradually increased
from 161 million tons in 1961 to 292 million tons in 1982. This condition is
also followed by the increasing areas of harvested areas from 6.92 million
hectares (ha) in 1961 to 8.3 million hectares (ha) in 1982. Meanwhile, in the
year 1983 to 2024, the world’s harvested area relatively decreased. From 1983
to 2024, the world’s harvested Sugar beet decreased from 8.6 million hectares
to 4.6 million hectares (ha). Furthermore, the world’s production of Sugar beet
is relatively stable or fluctuates in the range of 220-330 million tons. In
addition, the yield of sugar beet from 1961 to
2024 gradually increased from 23 tons/hectare
(t/ha) in 1961 to 63 tons/ha in the year 2024.
Specifically, in terms of the statistical continental regions,
there are some areas that have become the primary areas of sugar beet
cultivation. Europe became the biggest area of sugar beet production with a total output of 197 million
tons, Asia became the second biggest producer
with 46 million tons, Americas in the third with total output of 34 million
tons, and Africa with output of 15 million tons.
The World’s Production of Sugar beet Based on Continent in 2024
|
Continental
Region |
Production
of Sugar beet in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
15,124,481 |
|
Americas |
34,358,520 |
|
Asia |
46,858,576 |
|
Europe |
197,265,721 |
|
Oceania |
17,300 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Furthermore, in the country aspects, there are 10 World’s Biggest
Country Producers of Sugar Beet in 2024. This data was obtained from FAO
Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026. Here are 10 World’s Biggest
Country Producers of Sugar Beet in 2024.
Table Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sugar Beet in 2024
|
Ranks |
Country |
Production
of Sugar beet in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
Russian Federation |
46,680,177 |
|
2 |
Germany |
36,682,200 |
|
3 |
France |
32,594,090 |
|
4 |
United States of America |
32,003,660 |
|
5 |
Türkiye |
23,000,000 |
|
6 |
Poland |
18,430,330 |
|
7 |
Egypt |
13,880,842 |
|
8 |
Ukraine |
12,798,210 |
|
9 |
China, mainland |
12,411,200 |
|
10 |
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
7,816,758 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Brief Description of 10 World’s Biggest Sugar Beet Producers in 2024
1.Russian Federation
Russia still became the world’s biggest country producer of sugar
beet in 2024. Statistically, the production of sugar beet from Russia reached
46,680,177 tons in 2024. In this country, large-scale companies have a
strategic role in influencing sugar beet production. They can contribute 60
percent of Russia’s beet sugar production and some of leading companies which
manage beet industries in Russia including Prodimeks, Razgulay, Dominant,
Rusagro and Sucden. Geographically, there are some districts in
Russia which become the main area of sugar beet production in Russia (FAO,
2013). The Central Federal District still became the major producer of sugar
beets, followed by the Volga Valley Federal District and the Southern Federal
District. Agronomically, in Russia, Sugar beets are generally planted in April
or May and it can be harvested between August and November. Culturally, sugar
remains an important part of every-day diets of the Russian people. As of 2025,
the levels of per capita sugar consumption of Russian People in the Russian
Federation is about 36.7 kg to 39 kg per capita per year and it showed
relatively high compared to World's sugar consumption, showing global sugar
consumption per capita averaged approximately 19.4 kg to 22.5 kg per capita
annually.
2. Germany
Germany became the 2nd world’s biggest country producer
of sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, the production of sugar beet from Germany
reached 36,682,200 tons in 2024. In this country, the farmers of sugar beet
about 31 thousand people with an area of 360 thousand hectares. Functionally, the harvested beet
is used for sugar, bioethanol, biogas, and industrial purposes. Geographically,
some cultivation of sugar beet can be found in the several states/ Bundesländer
including Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg,
Saxony-Anhalt. Besides to fulfill the domestic consumption, Germany still
exported its sugar beet to other countries, namely Belgium, Switzerland, and
the Netherlands.
3. France
France became the 3rd world’s biggest country producer
of sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, the production of sugar beet from France
reached 32,594,090 tons in 2024. Agronomically, in France, the Sugar beet
usually is planted at the beginning of March until early to mid-April depending
on weather conditions. Furthermore, the harvesting time usually occurs in the
middle of September and until November. Overall, about 60% of this production
is used for the domestic market, and 40% is available for export. Functionally,
most of French sugar production is intended for direct consumption (10.5%), and agribusiness (59.5%), alcohol, and ethanol
(20%) and in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (10%) (Heno et al.,
2018).
4.United States of America
The
United States of America (USA) became the 4th
world’s biggest country producer of sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, the
production of sugar beet from the USA reached 32,003,660 tons in 2024. In these
stars and stripes country, Sugar beets are cultivated in some areas including
near the Oregon-Idaho state line; these are Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana;
North Dakota; Northern Minnesota; Northeastern Michigan, Western Nebraska, and
Southern California. Specifically, of all regions, The Red River Valley (RRV)
between North Dakota and Minnesota still become the main cultivation area of
USA's sugar beet, contributing more than half of the USA’s sugar beet acreage
(Kalika-Singh et al., 2025). In the United States, sugar beet has become
the main source in the
domestic sugar industry, contributing 55-60% of USA's sugar production since
the mid-2000s. In terms of industrial aspects, the sugar beet industry is
managed by farmer-owned cooperatives, such as American Crystal Sugar, Michigan
Sugar Company, and Western Sugar Cooperative.
5. Türkiye
Türkiye became the 5th world’s biggest country producer of
sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, the production of sugar beet from Türkiye
reached 23 million tons. Turkey planted sugar beet in some areas, but most of
the production is in the Central Anatolia region, near the cities of Ankara,
Konya, Eskisehir, Afyon, Tokat, and Yozgat. Statistically, there are about
110,000 farmers who cultivated sugar beets in Turkey. Besides being the main source of sugar,
Sugar beets can be processed as bioethanol production. Culturally, Turkish
people are favorable sugar consumers with total annual consumption per capita
estimated to be 30 kg. In terms of industrial
aspects, the state-owned enterprise, Türkşeker, still becomes the leading
company which operates 15 sugar facilities and this company contributed over a
third of the country's sugar. Meanwhile, the remaining factories are either
privately owned or run by regional Sugar beet cooperatives.
6.Poland
Poland became the 6th world’s biggest country producer
of sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, the production of sugar beet from Poland
reached 18,430,330 tons in 2024. Geographically, in Poland, Wielkopolskie is
the top region by sugar beet production in Poland. Besides Wielkopolskie, there
are the top five regions that become the basis of the cultivation of sugar
beet. These areas include Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubelskie, Dolnoslaskie, and
Opolskie. In terms of industrial aspects, in Poland, some of the leading
companies managing sugar beet business including The National Food Group
(Krajowa Grupa Spożywcza, KGS), Suedzucker Polska, Pfeifer & Langen, and
Nordzucker Polska (Samociuk et al., 2025).
7.Egypt
Egypt also became one of the world’s largest country producers of
sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT), the production of sugar beet from Egypt in 2024 achieved
13,880,842 tons. In this country, there is sugar beet factory processing i.e.,
Canal Sugar, owned by Dubai-based Al Khaleej Sugar Refinery. Geographically,
Sugar beet cultivation has spread in Egypt in Lower and Upper Egypt
governorates (El-Zayat, 2021). In terms of genetics, some of the sugar beet
cultivars produced and cultivated in Egypt, namely Gloria, Toro, Top, Monte
Bianco, Kawemira, lola, Oscar poly, Athos poly.
8.Ukraine
Ukraine is the 8th world’s biggest country producer of
sugar beet in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT),
the production of sugar beet from Ukraine reached 12,798,210 tons in 2024.
Geographically, in Ukraine, there are the top five regions which have the bigger sugar beet cultivation areas than others. These
areas are Vinnytsya with forty-nine thousand hectares, Poltava with 25.5
thousand hectares, Khmelnytsky with 24.5 thousand hectares, Kyiv with 21.8
thousand hectares, and Ternopil with 19.8 thousand hectares. In Ukraine, some of
the leading companies which take control of
the sugar beet industry include Astarta-Kyiv, Radekhivsky Sugar, and Ukrprominvest-Agro.
9. China, mainland
China also became one of the world’s largest country producers’
sugar beets in 2024. Statistically, the production of sugar beet in 2024 from
China reached 12,798,210 tons. Unlike the United States or Some Europe, the domestic industry of
Sugar in China is heavily dominated by sugarcane and Sugar beets just
contributed around 10% to 15% of China's total sugar. Geographically, there are
some provinces in China with the biggest production of sugar beet. These areas are Inner Mongolia with six million tons of harvested
sugar beet in 2019, followed by Xinjiang with four million tons, and the other
includes Hebei, Heilongjiang, Gansu, and Liaoning. Culturally, the sugar
consumption of Chinese people is relatively low compared to global averages,
with consumption in urban areas averaging around 10 kg per capita in 2024
compared to world's consumption of sugar per capita reaching 24.9 kg in 2024.
10.United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland became
the 10 world’s biggest country producers of sugar beet in 2024. Statistically, the production of
sugar beet from the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland reached
7,816,758 tons. Geographically, some main region areas of Sugar beet can be
found in East Anglia and the East Midlands especially in the counties like
Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. Related to the beet industry, there are some sugar beet factories, and these
are Allscout, bury, Cantley, Newark, Wishington, york, and Flanesford.
The Table Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sugar Beet in 2024
The Histogram Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Sugar Beet in 2024
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