Assessment of the efficiency of processing non-traditional fruit raw materials at beet sugar plants

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to develop a rational production model for processing wild fruit raw materials at a typical sugar factory with the production of new types of products, assess the effectiveness of this innovative project, and develop a business model for a sugar factory that produces traditional sugar, fortified sugar, and powdered food additives. Methodology / approach. An economic-and-statistical method was used to analyse the sugar industry. A SWOT analysis was used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the innovative project. The economic efficiency of the innovative project was assessed by a calculation method taking into account the time factor. Systematisation of information and presentation of the assessment was carried out using the method of generalisation and formalisation. Visually, the results are presented using graphical and tabular methods. The CANVAS model template was used to build the business model. The approximation method and experimental studies were used to determine the optimal concentration of the sugar solution. Results. A production model of a beet sugar plant is proposed, which, along with traditional activities, involves the processing of wild plant fruits and the production of new, more beneficial types of products from the point of view of food security – vitaminised sugar and powder additives. An assessment of the effectiveness of the innovative project was carried out, according to which the break-even point of the project was 54–57% of the nominal production volume, the profitability index was 1.4, and the payback period was 3.4 years, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed production model. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis, strategic goals and a business model for a sugar factory that will produce traditional sugar were developed, as well as new types of products were proposed. Various types of effects from the implementation of an innovative project for the production of vitaminised sugar and powder additives have been identified, which include not only increasing the profitability of the sugar factory, but also partially solving the problem of seasonality of production and employment in local territorial communities. Originality / scientific novelty. For the first time, a technology for waste-free processing of non-traditional raw materials at sugar refineries has been proposed. The proposed method of processing the fruits of wild plants in a sugar factory will allow expanding the range of sugar and bringing new organic products to the market, partially solving the problem of seasonality of sugar factories, and improving employment in local communities. Expanding the range to include new useful products will have a positive impact on the health of the population and will more fully satisfy consumer needs. Practical value / implications. The results of the study can be used by beet processing enterprises that seek to diversify their activities, as well as partially solve the problem of seasonality, increase market share and revenues by introducing new types of products to the market.