The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has finalized its investigation into Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and its parent company Südzucker regarding potential abuse of economic dependence in the sugar beet procurement process.

On February 5, 2026, the BCA issued a statement of objections highlighting unfair trading conditions imposed on sugar beet growers, which could distort competition. The BCA identified that the growers were economically dependent on Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, leading to uncertainty about their income and limiting their autonomy.

In response to the objections, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and Südzucker proposed commitments to rectify the situation. These commitments were refined after consultations with beet growers and will take effect from the 2027 harvest year for a minimum of five years.

The commitments include amending contractual clauses related to the pricing of sugar beet and beet pulp, removing conditions that unfairly burden growers, and establishing a more balanced negotiation process with growers' representatives.

With these commitments in place, the BCA has decided to close its investigation, marking a significant step in addressing economic dependence issues in the agricultural sector.