About Sopex

Sopex has always moved with the demands of its customers. Founded on empirical demands for sugar in the late 19th century, the company established itself as a trusted importer dedicated to its clients’ needs.

On the fortunes of those prosperous clients, Sopex expanded both its commodity range and geographic reach, adding coffee to its commodities brief and extending its global presence with offices across the world. Such changes never dampened the driving ethos of Sopex – a commitment to its customers and a deeply personal understanding of their businesses. Sopex continues to pride itself on the richness and depth of its relationships with clients.

In the modern age Sopex has refined its commodities portfolio, continuing to trade in sugar and coffee, the latter becoming a core part of the business. Sopex has retained its ability to adapt rapidly to customers’ ever-changing needs for coffee and sugar. Our proposition remains much as it was when the company was founded: our clients’ needs come first.

Sopex history

The history of Sopex is threaded by one constant – the Kronacker family. Established by Leopold Kronacker in 1894 in Antwerp, Belgium, the company continues to be headquartered in the city and to be steered by the Kronacker family. From inception to modernity, it has remained a family business dedicated to supplying coffee and sugar to Europe and later across the world.

Sopex was founded as Sucre Export by Leopold Kronacker at a time when Europe was a net importer of sugar. At the turn of the 20th century, there was heavy demand for raw sugar from west Africa and the Caribbean for European refineries and the business was built on serving that model. A reputation for trust and quality surrounded the company, as it does to this day.

Fast forward to the mid 20th century and Europe – driven by generous national quotas, subsidisation and guaranteed minimum prices – would become the largest white sugar exporter in the world. The EU exported up to eight million tonnes per year thanks to the streamlined trading practices and first-class professionalism of businesses like Sopex.

By the 1980s, Sopex was in a position to expand its operations. A London hub for sugar opened, and in 1988 Sopex decided to diversify it’s trading activities and set up a coffee department. This was followed in the 90s by outpost in Indonesia and Vietnam. More recently, Sopex has opened offices in Singapore, Korea and the USA.

In the 21st century, Sopex remains dedicated to customer service and a smooth, fair trading chain for coffee and sugar. You demand, we supply.

Sopex values

Throughout the history of Sopex, demands for commodities have changed and customer profiles have evolved. But the values of the group remain constant. Sopex is dedicated to finding solutions for its clients. Our customers value the close personal relationship we develop with them and our commitment to flexibility and service. As attitudes to global business have changed, Sopex has also cultivated a deep care for sourcing commodities that are environmentally sustainable and ethically farmed.

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