DSM to release steviol glycosides

DSM, the global life sciences and materials sciences company, has announced plans to introduce steviol glycosides produced through fermentation, this year. The company is no stranger to this process, which is deemed a sustainable and cost-effective method of production.

This venture into stevia is a move toward the right direction, with calorie reduction a growing trend in food & beverage production. According to a study by Euromonitor, the reduced sugar market accounted for US$52 million last year.

Steviol glycosides are the molecules that provide the sweet taste of stevia. The range from DSM will help food and beverage producers customise their products according to taste and calorie content.

“DSM has filed a significant number of patent applications relating to fermentation-based production of steviol glycosides last year to secure its unique technology and significant investments. As a next step, we will be piloting our technology in 2014 by making food-grade samples available to our customers,” said Greg Kesel, regional president, Americas of DSM Food Specialties.