Beverage giant Coca-Cola has experienced some delays in its artificial sweetener supply chain from China as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19).
China-based sucralose manufacturer JK Sucralose is investing in a research institute and factory for its half-sugar project, which will be completed in the second half of 2020.
After a year-long race to the bottom by Chinese manufacturers, acesulfame-K sweetener prices have grown steadily since May, with analysts expecting further increases then stabilisation as suppliers, including segment giant Anhui Jinhe, hold back on production.
Concerns are mounting within China’s sweeteners industry over the risk of Chinese sucralose becoming a target for an anti-dumping investigation by the US or EU, according to industry sources.
Tate & Lyle demonstrated new prototype beverages based on its sucralose and stevia sweeteners at Gulfood Manufacturing this week, as it plans to capitalise on its expanded regional team.
Tate & Lyle says it predicts a substantial deterioration in sucralose pricing owing to a glut of unsold Chinese sucralose which has forced it to reduce pricing in recently renewed contracts.
Extracts from the South African plant Sclerochiton ilicifolius are amongst the ‘most potently sweet naturally occurring substances known’, report scientists from ingredients giant Cargill.
Specialty ingridients maker Naturex is banking on a growing trend towards healthier and more natural products in China to boost the market for its newly approved Thaumatin fruit extract.
The market for the sweetener sucralose is poised for growth, with global production expected to top 15,000 tonnes by 2018, according to the world’s second largest sucralose producer.
Ajinomoto’s Advantame has moved a step closer to approval in Australia and New Zealand, as FSANZ has published its preferred option that the Food Standards Code be amended to approve the intense sweetener for sale and use.
Tate & Lyle has lost its sucralose patent case as the International Trade Commission gave its final ruling on Monday that Chinese manufacturers did not infringe the sugar giant’s patents.
The Indonesian government is currently reviewing its laws on
artificial sweeteners and will consider banning them from food if
expert evidence suggests they present health risks, according to a
report.