MANE partners with Arzeda to develop next-generation stevia solutions for sugar reduction

MANE, a flavour and fragrance maker, has launched a new collaboration with Arzeda, a pioneer in AI-driven protein design, to speed up the commercialisation of novel, high-performance sweetening solutions and address worldwide demand for natural sugar reduction. Arzeda, based in Seattle, is the creator of ViaLeaf Reb M, a novel method that leverages direct-from-leaf extract technology for stevia processing, increasing production efficiency and enabling broader usage in the food and beverage industry.

The new collaboration between the two will strive to address one of the industry's most critical challenges: producing low-cost, clean-label, low-sugar products without sacrificing taste. Through this collaboration, MANE increases its scientific and technological leadership by incorporating Arzeda's ViaLeaf technology.

Meanwhile, Arzeda will leverage MANE's worldwide production capabilities, commercial reach, and experience in flavour generation and taste modulation to speed the commercialisation of sweetener solutions. This new alliance aims to address existing reformulation concerns, such as the desire for natural and clean-label ingredients, calorie reduction, and growing pressure from public health regulations and sugar taxes.

Revolutionising Stevia: A Significant Advance in Natural Sweetening Solutions

The partnership focuses on Reb M, the most attractive steviol glycoside due to its clean, sugar-like taste and lack of bitterness. Arzeda's Intelligent Protein Design Technology allows for the synthesis of extremely efficient enzymes, which has significantly changed Reb M's production cost structure.

Reb M—produced by bioconversion of natural stevia leaf extract—becomes a substantially more cheap, scalable, and taste-optimized solution with high sensory superiority, giving the following important benefits:

• Sugar reduction in product compositions with Reb M

• There is no unpleasant aftertaste, unlike traditional stevia grades.

• Natural origin, facilitating clean-label positioning

• Good cost performance.

Improved solutions for food and beverage innovation

The collaboration between MANE and Arzeda will expand MANE's portfolio of sweeteners and flavour modulators, with a focus on reduced-sugar beverages. This area is a top priority due to the crucial importance of flavour performance, which is influenced by customer preferences and sugar tax restrictions.

The cooperation promotes a streamlined approach to sweetness restoration by utilising the following:

• Sweetener ingredients: Reb M and other enhanced E960 natural-origin sweeteners.

• Flavour-modulating solutions and SENSE CAPTURE technology enhance sweet perception while eliminating off-notes.

The combination of these technologies allows MANE's technologists and flavorists to fulfil considerable sugar-reduction targets while creating high-quality, sensory-rich goods that meet consumer demand. This ability is critical to success in today's cost-conscious economy.

Source: Nutraceutical Business Review