Minya’s Abu Qirqas Stops Sugar Production for First Time in 155 Years

The historic Abu Qirqas sugar factory, established in 1869, has stopped juicing cane - and thus, producing sugar - for the first time in 155 years. 

The Egyptian Sugar and Integrated Industries SAE in Minya, also known as 'New Abu Qirqas Sugar Factories,' has announced that the contracted cane crop will now be supplied to the Girga sugar factories in Sohag, with all transportation expenses covered. The factory had anticipated a supply of 300,000 tonnes of cane per season, but this year, the contracted quantities only reached around 6,000 tonnes, insufficient to operate the factory for a full week.

The Abu Qirqas sugar factory is a vital component of the governorate's agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to Egypt's sugar production. It operates at a capacity of up to 115,000 tonnes per season, covering around 34% of the country's total sugar output. In addition to sugar, the factory produces various products derived from sugarcane juice, including pure alcohol and animal feed.