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Kaposvar Sugar Factory
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Industrial site
The Kaposvár Sugar Factory is the only remaining operational sugar plant in Hungary, managed by Magyar Cukor Zrt., a subsidiary of the Agrana Group. Founded in 1894, the facility has evolved over more than a century into one of the most modern production sites in Europe. During the annual sugar beet campaign, which typically commences in autumn, massive quantities of beet from the surrounding agricultural regions are processed. A standout feature of the factory is its innovative biogas plant, which extracts methane from the organic by-products of sugar production. This allows the facility to cover nearly all of its energy requirements independently and even supply surplus energy to the public grid. The plant produces various sugar products for both retail and the food industry under well-known brand names. Despite challenges in the European sugar market, the site secures numerous jobs and remains a vital buyer for Hungarian agriculture. Continuous modernization ensures efficient and environmentally friendly production at the highest level.
- Location: Hungary
- Top sights: Egykori Matula tanya · Zenepavilon · Szent Imre-templom
- Nearby: Tamási (47 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 45 | 43 | 38 | 70 | 71 | 63 | 63 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 46 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Kaposvár Sugar Factory is Hungary’s only currently active sugar plant, a key pillar of the domestic food industry. It processes regional sugar beet into crystal sugar and other products, securing thousands of jobs in agriculture and processing.
Visiting
The factory is generally not open to the public as it is an active industrial plant. Occasionally, open days or guided tours for groups provide insights into the production process.
Where to view it
From the nearby main road, the factory’s distinctive chimney is visible from afar. A good public viewpoint is the bridge over the Kapos River, offering an overview of the entire factory site.
Local products
Sugar beet is the main crop grown in the region, serving as raw material for the factory. Local markets offer products such as beet honey, traditional sweets, and items made from sugar beet syrup.
Active season
The factory’s main campaign starts in late summer with the sugar beet harvest and typically lasts until winter. During this time, production runs at full capacity, making the area especially lively.
Nearby
A visit to the sugar factory can be combined with exploring the city of Kaposvár, which features a baroque centre and the Rippl-Rónai Museum. The nearby Zselic Hills nature park also invites hiking.
Geography
Facts
- The factory was established in 1894.
- The only remaining sugar factory in Hungary after 2008.
- Operates one of the largest biogas plants in Central Europe.
- Processes up to 1 million tons of sugar beet during a single campaign.
- First factory worldwide to cover its energy needs from biogas.
- Majority-owned by the Austrian Agrana group since 1991.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kaposvar Sugar Factory (10)
ROXÍNHÁZ
Theatre and event venue in Kaposvár.
Református templom
Reformed church building in Kaposvár.
Zsolnay-kút
Drinking fountain in the pedestrian zone, usable in frost-free weather.
Kamaraszínház
Smaller theatre space for intimate performances in Kaposvár.
Rippl-Rónai Megyei Hatókörű Városi Múzeum🏛 museum
County museum in Kaposvár with local history and art collections.
Csiky Gergely Színház
Theatre in Kaposvár with its own company and season.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Kaposvár sugar factory?
It is the only sugar factory still operational in Hungary.
When does the sugar beet campaign take place?
Processing usually takes place from September to January.
Can the factory be visited?
Visits are rare, mostly possible only for professional groups.
Is biogas also produced here?
Yes, the plant uses beet pulp to produce green biogas.
How much sugar is produced here?
Over 100,000 tons of sugar are produced during a single campaign.
Kaposvar Sugar Factory: where is it located?
Kaposvar Sugar Factory is located in Hungary.
Kaposvar Sugar Factory: what is there to see?
Highlights include Egykori Matula tanya, Zenepavilon, Szent Imre-templom.
Kaposvar Sugar Factory: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kaposvar Sugar Factory: why is it worth visiting?
The Kaposvár Sugar Factory is the only remaining operational sugar plant in Hungary, managed by Magyar Cukor Zrt., a subsidiary of the Agrana Group.
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