British Sugar has announced plans to close its beet processing factory at Cantley by the end of February 2027 to reduce its operational footprint.

As part of the new proposal, British Sugar will move its beet processing operations to its other three factories at Bury St Edmunds, Newark and Wissington.

According to the business, the factories are well established to have the capacity to create the same volume of sugar as today to enable the company to continue supplying retail and industrial customers.

The existing package facilities at Bury St Edmunds, Newark and Wissington will continue to operate as per usual, with Newark serving the company’s brown sugar customers.

British Sugar’s managing director, Keith Packer, said: “This proposal has not been taken lightly. It follows a thorough review of the business and reflects a combination of external pressures, including low average European sugar prices, high energy costs and a market-wide, long-term gradual decline in volumes over time.

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“British Sugar will continue to be able to meet demand and maintain our market position with three factories.

“We recognise the uncertainty this proposal will create for our colleagues at Cantley, their families and the wider community. Our focus now is to engage openly and responsibly throughout the consultation process.”

This move comes after a strategic review of the business and aims to improve efficiency, restore competitiveness and support the long-term future of the company.

British Sugar stated that all the Cantley growers will be invited to continue growing sugar beet for the 2027/28 campaign and in the future.

The affected employees are set to start consultation discussions with labour union Unite and other representatives.

The Cantley factory will operate as normal, and British Sugar is set to explore future options for the site after the closure of the beet processing facilities.