Chapter 576: True Sugar-Coated Bullets
"Your Highness, Prince, there's no denying that beet sugar production is a novel technique," said Mathurin Jacques Brisson, a prominent French biologist and a judge for the Supreme Louis Prize in Biomedicine. "However, it is also an impractical one."
Another judge, Guillaume Bosc, murmured softly, "Perhaps even harmful."
"Yes, harmful," Brisson nodded in agreement and continued, "In fact, two years ago, during my study of birds in Bavaria, I heard about Mr. Achard's technique.
"Using his method to extract sugar from beets, one franc produces approximately 1.2 pounds of sugar. In contrast, Caribbean sugarcane yields 1.9 pounds per franc. And this is after Achard's so-called 'scaled production.' Initial costs would be even higher.
"In other words, beet sugar production is a losing venture.
"Moreover, our sugar plantations in Saint-Domingue generate tens of millions of francs annually. If beet sugar disrupts their sales, it could harm the nation's finances."
Joseph nodded slightly, acknowledging the validity of their arguments.
However, he looked at the group and said, "Gentlemen, if war breaks out between Britain and France and the British fleet blocks Caribbean trade routes, how much would it cost us to buy sugar if Saint-Domingue's supply can't reach Europe?"
The scholars were momentarily stunned.
While the French reliance on sugar wasn't as intense as the British, it was still an essential daily commodity. Nearly one-fifth of dietary calories came from sugar.
If Saint-Domingue's sugar supply was cut off, France would have no choice but to purchase overpriced sugar from Britain.
Joseph refrained from mentioning that historically, Napoleon had faced a similar situation. Britain's naval blockade forced him to promote beet sugar production at a financial loss. Although it resolved the sugar shortage in Europe, it cost France dearly.
Joseph had no intention of repeating Napoleon's missteps. Armed with knowledge from the 21st century, he had a better plan.
Bosc hesitated and said, "But Your Highness, we aren't at war with Britain..."
"Perhaps," Joseph replied coolly, "peace with Britain has never truly existed. The Seven Years' War ended less than 30 years ago.
"Now, I need Mr. Franz Achard. Do you know where to find him?"
"Yes, Your Highness," said Leroy, the vice-chairman of the Talent Committee. "He's staying at the 'Old Eden Inn' with a few Bavarian scholars. I'll invite him immediately."
Joseph nodded and turned to Aymond. "Have Leroy use my carriage."
Joseph valued Achard not only for preparing against a potential British naval blockade but also because beet sugar production could strike a significant blow to Britain's economy. If managed correctly, it could even turn a profit.
Britain was currently the world's largest producer and consumer of sugar.
It was well known that the British loved tea, but more accurately, they loved sugary water. Without copious amounts of sugar, tea was essentially undrinkable to them.
For British industrial workers, who endured grueling labor, sugary beverages like tea, coffee, and cocoa were the only joys in their lives. These drinks also helped them stay alert during intense work hours.
As for British aristocrats, tea drinking had become a cultural ritual.
Even Britain's famously terrible cuisine relied heavily on sugar to make dishes palatable.
Thus, sugar was deeply ingrained in British society. Each year, Britain spent a staggering 100 million francs on sugar.
Whoever controlled the sugar industry held Britain's economic lifeline.
Unfortunately for Britain, the sugar industry was currently its stronghold.
Britain dominated sugar production, consuming large quantities domestically while exporting vast amounts to Europe, the Americas, and Central Asia. This was a cornerstone of its economy.
Most of the world's sugarcane cultivation at the time was concentrated in the Caribbean islands. Apart from Saint-Domingue, which was under French control, the majority were British colonies. The powerful British navy ensured unmatched dominance over these islands.
Portugal's Brazilian colony was another major producer of sugarcane, but Portugal was closely allied with Britain, effectively integrating it into Britain's sugar trade network.
London alone housed over 100 sugar refineries, producing more than 80% of Europe's sugar products.
Achard's beet sugar technology provided Joseph with an opportunity to disrupt Britain's "sugar hegemony."
Achard, who had been leisurely strolling along the Champs-Élysées, was utterly bewildered when summoned to the Tuileries Palace. Even as he stepped through the doors, bowed, and accepted the Prince's warm invitation to sit on a sofa, his mind remained blank.
"So," Joseph began with a smile, "you've developed a complete process for refining white sugar from beets?"
"Y-yes, Your Highness," Achard stammered, speaking in halting French. "Actually, it was my mentor, Dr. Marggraf, who invented the technique. I've since improved upon it.
"My primary contribution has been breeding beet varieties with higher sugar content."
Joseph immediately asked, "What is the sugar content of your beets?"
At this, Achard's nervousness dissipated, replaced by pride. "It's now over 8%, Your Highness."
Joseph outwardly praised him but inwardly frowned.
No wonder Napoleon had lost money promoting beet sugar—8% sugar content was indeed too low.
Joseph recalled that modern sugar beets had a sugar content of around 20%. To compete with Caribbean sugarcane, significant improvements were still needed.
"How long do you think it would take to breed beets with a sugar content of 12%?" Joseph asked.
Achard fell silent for a few moments before replying with a resolute expression, "Your Highness, if that is what you require, I will devote my life to achieving it within 20 years!"
Historical Note:
Although Caribbean sugarcane production costs were as low as 1 pound sterling for 48–50 pounds of sugar (or approximately 1 franc for 1.9 pounds), transportation to Europe, refining, packaging, and sales raised the retail price to about 1 franc per pound.
In the late 18th century, Britain consumed roughly 100 million pounds of sugar annually, spending approximately 100 million francs.
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