Britain’s oldest sugar factory is to close because of sky-high energy costs.
The site at Cantley, in Norfolk, was the first sugar-processing factory to open in the UK and has been operating since 1912.
More than 100 people face losing their jobs as part of the closure. The shutdown of the plant, which is operated by British Sugar, could come as early as February 2027.
The beet-processing factory produces 130,000 tonnes of sugar per year and its closure would leave Britain needing to import more sugar from places such as Brazil.
British Sugar, part of Primark-owner Associated British Foods, blamed the closure on soaring energy prices.
Keith Packer, the managing director at British Sugar, said: “This proposal has not been taken lightly. It follows a thorough review of the business and reflects a combination of external pressure, including low average European sugar prices and high energy costs.”
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