Südzucker (SZU) Capital Market Forum presentation summary

Group overview and business segments

• Operates globally with 100 production facilities and about 19,200 employees, generating €10.3 billion in revenue for 2023/24.

• Diversified across sugar, special products, CropEnergies (bioethanol), starch, and fruit, with non-sugar activities accounting for 40% of revenues.

• Holds leading market positions in Europe and globally in sugar, bioethanol, functional food, pizza, fruit preparations, and starch.

• Major shareholders include SZVG (63%) and Zucker Invest GmbH (10%), with a stock exchange listing in Germany and SDAX membership.

Financial performance and market environment

• 2023/24 group revenues reached €10.3 billion, with the largest share from the sugar segment (€4.2 billion).

• Revenue distribution: 46% from EU (excluding Germany), 30% from Germany, and 24% from the rest of the world.

• Sugar and ethanol markets remain volatile, with significant price fluctuations observed since 2007.

• 2024/25 revenue guidance is €9.5–9.9 billion, with operating result expected to decline to €175–275 million from €947 million in 2023/24.

Strategic initiatives and sustainability

• Investing €120–130 million in a new ethyl acetate plant in Zeitz, using renewable ethanol and Johnson Matthey technology; production start planned for end of 2025.

• Advancing climate-neutral sugar production at Zeitz through biogas, heat pumps, and lime kiln conversion, targeting 150,000 tons of CO2 savings annually.

• Focused on reducing debt, expanding non-sugar segments, and enhancing sustainable, resilient growth.