Molasses Trade Strategic Outlook & ATABAŞ GRUP’s Trusted Supply Chain
Introduction
Molasses, a viscous by-product of sugar refining, plays a crucial role in various meindustries ranging from animal feed to ethanol production. ATABAŞ GRUP, a trusted leader in Turkish exports, ensures the highest quality Turkish-origin molasses, strictly avoiding any trade with sanctioned countries.
1. Usage Areas of Molasses
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Animal Feed Industry | Used as an energy source in livestock and poultry feed formulations |
| Ethanol Production | Fermented into bioethanol for fuel or industrial use |
| Food Industry | Utilized in baking, confectionery, and flavoring |
| Agriculture | Added to composts and fertilizers as a microbial stimulant |
| Yeast Production | Acts as a carbohydrate source in fermentation processes |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | Occasionally used as a sweetening and binding agent |
| Distilleries | Used in rum and alcohol production |
2. Technical Specifications of Turkish-Origin Molasses
| Parameter | Standard Range |
|---|---|
| Brix (°Bx) | 78–85 |
| pH Level | 4.5–5.5 |
| Dry Matter (%) | 78–80 |
| Reducing Sugars (%) | 28–35 |
| Ash Content (%) | 8–12 |
| Viscosity | Thick, semi-fluid |
| Origin | 100% Turkish Sugar Factories |
| Certification | ISO 22000, GMP+, Halal (where required) |
3. Trade Conditions
- Minimum Order: 25 Metric Tons (bulk or IBC)
- Packaging: Flexitank, IBC tanks, or bulk tankers
- Origin: Only Turkish refineries (Konya, Kayseri, Burdur, Afyon, Erzincan etc.)
- Quality Control: Independent lab-tested samples before each shipment
- Delivery Terms: FOB Mersin or CFR (upon agreement)
- Payment Terms: LC, TT with pre-agreed terms
4. Domestic Transport Costs in Türkiye
| Route | Estimated Trucking Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Konya to Mersin Port | 800 – 950 |
| Afyon to Mersin Port | 950 – 1,100 |
| Erzincan to Mersin Port | 1,300 – 1,500 |
| Kayseri to Mersin Port | 850 – 1,000 |
Note: Prices vary based on fuel costs, seasonality, and route accessibility.
5. Common Challenges in Procurement
- Limited Seasonal Production: Most sugar factories operate seasonally.
- Inconsistent Brix Values: Requires rigorous QC before shipment.
- High Demand in Animal Feed Season: Raises local competition.
- Tank Cleaning Requirements: Especially in bulk transport, hygiene compliance is strict.
6. Türkiye’s Strategic Importance in Molasses Trade
Türkiye offers:
- High-quality beet molasses from EU-standard sugar refineries
- Strategic port access to Europe, MENA, and Asia
- Politically neutral trading hub for global buyers
7. Why ATABAŞ GRUP?
- 100% Turkish origin products with full traceability
- No trading with sanctioned countries under any circumstance
- Transparent communication and documentation
- Internal quality checks + Third-party lab verification
- Prompt, reliable shipment coordination from factory to port
- Ethical, sustainable business philosophy focused on long-term relationships
8. Export Destinations
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Middle East | UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman |
| North Africa | Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco |
| Europe | Italy, Greece, Spain |
| Asia | Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam |
We do not trade with countries under international sanctions, including but not limited to: Iran, Syria, North Korea, Sudan, Venezuela, and Russia (depending on current regulatory lists).
Conclusion
Molasses is more than a by-product — it is a strategic resource for food, fuel, and feed industries. ATABAŞ GRUP stands as a symbol of trust, quality, and ethical trade, ensuring clean supply chains and top-tier Turkish products delivered globally with care.
What is Molasses? A Deep Dive into One of Agriculture’s Most Valuable By-Products
Molasses is a thick, dark, and sweet syrup that emerges as a by-product during the sugar extraction process from sugar beets or sugarcane. While often overshadowed by the refined sugar it accompanies, molasses holds immense value across multiple sectors — from energy production to livestock nutrition, agriculture to distillation.
Chemically speaking, molasses contains a rich profile of fermentable sugars (such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose), minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and a variety of organic compounds. Its unique composition makes it not only a source of energy but also a nutritional enhancer in several applications.
In sugar beet refining, particularly common in Türkiye, molasses is obtained after crystallization processes remove most of the sucrose. What remains is a viscous liquid with concentrated non-crystallizable sugars and minerals — making it ideal for fermentation industries, animal feed producers, and bioenergy facilities.
What sets molasses apart from other by-products is its versatility. It serves as a feedstock in the production of ethanol, a binder and sweetener in food and pharmaceuticals, and a soil health enhancer in agriculture. Furthermore, in regions where feed efficiency and cost optimization are vital, molasses plays a critical role due to its affordability and high energy content.
Beyond its practical applications, molasses is also a strategic trade commodity. Countries with established sugar industries, like Türkiye, have turned molasses into an export powerhouse. Its non-perishable nature (when stored properly), ease of bulk transport, and year-round demand make it an ideal product for international markets.