RAW MATERIAL Sugar cane The processing of sugar cane constitutes the third source of revenue for Tereos. The Group has been active in the sector since 2000 in Brazil and since 2002 in the Indian Ocean. Key figures 11 sugar factories, including 7 in Brazil 7 ethanol production sites in Brazil High sweetening power Sugar cane accounts for 80% of world sugar production, making it the principal sugar-producing raw material. Sugar cane is a tall tropical grass. The stems are harvested, not the leaves. They are principally composed of water, sugar and fibres known as bagasse. The harvest takes place when the concentration of sugar is optimal, occurring on average after 12 months, and lasts several months (up to 240 days). One tonne of canes produces approximately 115 kg of sugar. Industrial process Whether harvested manually or mechanically, the canes are shredded and then crushed. This produces juice and bagasse, which is a fibrous residue. The juice is sieved then heated and limed to remove its impurities. It then passes into evaporators to extract a syrup combining sugar crystals and a mother liquor, from which the sugar crystals are separated in a centrifuge. Increasing yields Calling on its agronomic and industrial know-how, Tereos is developing cane production and improving yields, particularly thanks to mechanised planting and harvesting in Brazil. In Brazil, Tereos processes the harvests of 300,000 hectares of land, benefiting from totally mechanised planting and harvesting. The Group is pioneering the introduction of new precision farming technologies. Very close attention is paid to varieties of cane, with the aim of combining good yield with suitability for specific soils and climates. Featured product lines Sugar and sweeteners Discover Alcohol and ethanol Discover Featured markets Food and Drink Energies Discover our featured raw materials Sugar beet Discover Wheat Discover Your contacts Credits Legal notices Personal data Cookies Configures cookies management EN We use certain cookies or similar technologies that are strictly necessary for the proper functioning of the site, as well as to improve the quality of your experience on this site. By clicking "Allow", you allow these cookies, but you can change these preferences at any time in the Cookie Settings. To personalise your preferences or to refuse cookies, select "Personalise". Please note that blocking certain types of cookies could affect your use of the website and some of its features. To learn more about our cookie policy, or to change your cookie preferences, see our "Cookie Policy". Allow Disallow Personalise