Singapore nods sugar reduction ingredient made by Sweegen
The US-based ingredients maker has gained the approval of new sweeteners with food and drink applications
Asia-Pacific brands now have access to an expanded portfolio of sugar reduction solutions with the approval of Bestevia Rebs D and E in Singapore. The new sweeteners are made by US-based ingredients manufacturer SweeGen. The approval joins SweeGen’s Bestevia Reb, which was okayed by the Singapore Food Agency in 2019.
This new stevia approval comes at a time when manufacturers are under pressure to develop sugar-reduced options because of the growing health awareness among Asia Pacific consumers, coupled with Singapore government health initiatives to curb obesity and diabetes.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health proposed multiple measures potentially impacting the food and beverage sectors including banning the sale of higher sugar pre-packaged drinks and imposing a tax on sugar-based drinks.
A proprietary technology
SweeGen’s Bestevia Taste Solutions is a proprietary taste and sweetener platform offering solutions for applications in beverages, dairy, confectionery, bakery and sauces.
The platform features the exclusive Bestevia e+, which SweeGen claims to deliver one of the industry’s most cost-efficient, great-tasting and complete sugar reduction options.
Lewis Tessarolo, senior director of business development at SweeGen, explained: “These customised solutions incorporate our world-class supply of next-generation, non-GMO stevia sweeteners along with proprietary flavours and texturants to solve the sugar reduction challenges of our customers.”
SweeGen’s proprietary zero-calorie stevia sweeteners are produced through a patented bio-conversion process, which begins with the stevia leaf to achieve high-purity clean-tasting Rebs D, M and E.
“Creating reduced sugar products that meet consumer expectations for a great taste is a big challenge,” said Shari Mahon, senior vice president of application technology, adding that SweeGen continues to expand its portfolio of ingredient solutions as well as product development capacity and expertise.
SweeGen said it is expanding the regional applications support globally to collaborate closely with customers.