Cargill and DSM set up jv to develop zero-calorie sweeteners

Cargill and DSM are setting up a new jv named Avansya, to produce zero-calorie, cost effective sweeteners.

The 50:50 jv will produce highly sought-after, sweet-tasting molecules, such as steviol glycosides Reb M and Reb D through fermentation, giving food and beverage manufacturers an even more scalable, sustainable and low cost-in-use solution than if these same molecules were extracted from the stevia leaf, the companies said.

The new venture will combine both companies’ technologies for producing steviol glycoside products made through fermentation and will market its products under one brand name, EverSweet. The jv is expected to be finalised in the first calendar quarter of 2019.

DSM brings its leading biotechnology knowhow, R&D expertise, including strain development and fermentation process development capabilities, while Cargill will contribute application expertise and global commercial footprint in the sweetener market, as well as large-scale fermentation capacity with access to co-located, raw material suppliers at its Blair, Nebraska (USA) site.

The jv will make use of a new fermentation facility being built at the site in Blair, which is expected to be completed and operating in summer 2019.

Commenting on the development, DSM Food Specialties President, Mr. Patrick Niels, said, “One of the most significant transformations in global food & beverage markets is the drive to reduce sugar in people’s diets. This partnership will allow us to bring sustainably produced sugar-reduction solutions based on steviol glycosides to market faster and more effectively at a scale to deliver global impact.”