- In April 2025, South Korea saw rapid adoption of allulose, a natural sugar substitute derived from fruits like figs and kiwis. Major companies such as Daesang Corp and Samyang Corp are expanding production, with Samyang opening a new factory to increase output. This growth is fueled by the sweetener's resemblance to table sugar and low calorie content, though experts caution about its long-term health effects
- In January 2025, the European Commission announced anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese imports of erythritol, a key sugar alcohol. The tariffs, ranging from 34.4% to 233.3%, aim to address unfair pricing practices affecting the EU industry. This marks a significant development amid ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China, impacting the erythritol market.
- In February 2025, Better Juice Ltd introduced a groundbreaking enzymatic technology that converts sugars into non-digestible fibers, allowing food products like sorbets to have reduced sugar content while maintaining flavor. These innovations support the growing clean-label movement and cater to health-conscious consumers looking for lower-sugar, high-fiber alternatives
- In January 2025, Tate & Lyle, a leader in sugar refinement, announced a strategic shift towards healthier ingredients. The company is focusing on producing low- and no-calorie sweeteners, as well as fiber additives from materials like corn, seaweed, and stevia. This shift reflects the growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food option
- In March 2025, the demand for functional and plant-based sweeteners has surged, with consumers opting for natural options like stevia, monk fruit, and agave. New production technologies, such as fermentation and enzymatic processes, are improving the taste profiles and stability of these sweeteners, which are now being used in a wide range of food and beverage products
