Morocco’s Cosumar Aims to Double Sugar Production by 2026

Cosumar Group has announced plans to double Morocco’s domestic sugar production to 600,000 tons by 2026. The ambitious target represents a substantial increase from the 330,000 tons expected during the 2024/2025 agricultural campaign.

The sugar producer has already begun preparations for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. Cosumar aims to cultivate 68,500 hectares of sugar plants, including 60,000 hectares of sugar beet. This marks a 50% increase from current cultivation levels.

Despite early drought conditions in the 2024/2025 campaign, the Moroccan sugar industry managed to plant 40,000 hectares across the country’s five sugar-producing regions. Late rainfall in March and April improved agricultural yields and sugar content, two key indicators for farm profitability.

The production increase depends heavily on technological modernization. Cosumar has implemented advanced agricultural technologies including drones, smart sensors, precision irrigation, and plot-specific fertilization. These innovations help partner farmers better control costs while improving environmental performance.

Water conservation has become particularly critical. Smart technology solutions have reduced water consumption by up to 55%, while drip irrigation systems provide an average 25% water savings compared to traditional methods. Fertilizer use has also decreased by 30% through optimization efforts.

The projected production level matches the exceptional 2016 campaign. It will cover a substantial portion of domestic market needs while enabling notable export volumes. Cosumar’s strategic plan targets 1 million tons of annual exports starting in 2026.

Improved water conditions support this expansion. Increased filling rates at dams serving sugar-producing zones, combined with government-initiated desalination projects, provide structural support for the industry. By reducing pressure on conventional resources, these projects strengthen food security and sustainable agricultural growth in Morocco.

The nearly one-century-old firm closed 2024 with consolidated revenue of MAD 10.24 billion ($1.024 billion), remaining relatively stable compared to 2023. This resilience stems from increased local market sales and export dynamics, despite unprecedented water deficits.

Through this roadmap, Cosumar, created in 1929, strengthens its contribution to a more autonomous, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural model in Morocco, according to the company.