From Sugar to Sustainability – Cosumar Shapes Smart Agriculture in Morocco
In an era where climate pressures are increasing and food security challenges are rising, the Cosumar group has positioned itself as a strategic player that combines innovation, performance, and a human dimension. Cosumar is not merely a sugar producer, but a Moroccan success story that translates into action on the ground in fields, factories, and global markets, fundamentally impacting the lives of thousands of farmers who are at the heart of its vision.
The group places utmost importance on water as the lifeblood of agriculture, adopting advanced technologies, notably drip irrigation, which has reduced water consumption by 25%. It has also implemented smart sensors and aerial radars to accurately assess the needs of each crop. Recognizing the severity of water scarcity, Cosumar supports the national strategy for seawater desalination, which will enable Morocco to reach a production capacity of approximately 1.7 billion cubic meters annually by 2050.
In the context of keeping pace with digital and environmental transformations, the group has invested in smart agriculture, known as “Agriculture 4.0,” utilizing drones and artificial intelligence to assess soil and manage fertilizers and pesticides with precision, reducing their use by 30%. It has also launched research programs to develop drought-resistant plant varieties and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Cosumar’s development model is built on a clear equation: smart agriculture + social support = prosperous farmers. The company ensures direct support for farmers and has increased crop purchase prices, leading to an average income improvement of 35%. It has also facilitated access to financing, insurance, and training, launching social initiatives benefiting farmers’ families, covering education, health, and pilgrimage, reflecting a strong commitment to human values.
The commissioning of the Sidi Bennour refinery in September 2024 marked a qualitative leap, with a production capacity of half a million tons annually, employing the latest industrial and digital systems. This robust infrastructure has solidified Cosumar’s position in the international market, exporting 653,000 tons of white sugar in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year, to over 80 countries.
Despite market fluctuations and rising raw material costs, Cosumar has achieved remarkable financial performance, with a turnover of 10.239 billion dirhams and a net profit of 850 million dirhams, while reducing its debts to 556 million dirhams, reflecting the effectiveness of its diversification and proactive model.
Environmentally, Cosumar has reduced its carbon footprint by 50% between 2016 and 2024, decreasing water and energy consumption through the modernization of its industrial facilities and incorporating renewable energies into its production system, while ensuring proper management of agricultural waste and converting it into clean energy.
Because the future is built not on words but on numbers, Cosumar has committed, as part of its partnership with the state under the “Green Generation” initiative, to increase national production of white sugar to 620,000 tons by 2030 and expand the cultivated area to 73,000 hectares, with an investment exceeding 5.7 billion dirhams. Thus, it demonstrates that food sovereignty goes hand in hand with a clear vision, bold investment, and a deep respect for both humanity and the environment.
