Exciting Partnership Between Manus Bio and Tate & Lyle Set to Transform Sweetener Production in Augusta

Exciting Partnership in Augusta Sweetens the Deal!

Augusta is buzzing with excitement as two innovative companies join forces to bring a new wave of sweetness to the world! Manus Bio, the local company recognized for its green technology in sweetener production, has announced a brand-new partnership with none other than Tate & Lyle, a major player that once produced half of the world’s sugar. This collaboration, known as the Natural Sweetener Alliance, aims to expand the reach of Augusta’s North American bioproducing facility, which specializes in a cutting-edge stevia extract called Reb M.

A Sweet Partnership

Nick Hampton, CEO of Tate & Lyle, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Manus and to combine our extensive capabilities and expertise to provide customers with access to high-quality bioconverted stevia Reb, sourced and manufactured in the Americas.” This collaboration is set to elevate both companies, creating an exciting path forward for sweetener production!

The Sweet History of Tate & Lyle

For those who might not know, Tate & Lyle has a rich history dating back to 1921 when Henry Tate and Abram Lyle merged their successful sugar refiners. This merger gave them control over an astonishing 50% of the world’s sugar production! However, the world of sugar changed, and by 2010, Tate & Lyle shifted gears, moving away from the sugar refining business. Now, they focus on creating ingredients and additives that enhance taste and texture in a wide array of manufactured foods and beverages.

Manus Bio’s Journey

On the local front, Manus Bio took an exciting step in 2019 when it reopened Augusta’s old NutraSweet plant. Just two years later, they launched NutraSweet Natural, a zero-calorie stevia sweetener that is not only tasty but produced with a smaller environmental footprint. This is a significant shift in the world of natural sweeteners, especially as many consumers increasingly seek healthier and more sustainable options.

The Sweet Science of Reb M

While most stevia manufacturers use a molecule called Rebaudioside A (or Reb A), which is known for its sweetness but often leaves a bitter aftertaste, Manus Bio has found that Reb M is the real star of the show! This highly pure taste profile is much closer to the actual taste of sugar, making it a fantastic choice for those watching their sugar intake, including people with diabetes.

However, extracting Reb M isn’t as simple as it sounds. Its production is often too expensive and time-consuming for most manufacturers. But here’s the twist—Manus Bio has developed an innovative fermentation process that enables sustainable production of Reb M at a scale that could change the game! Manus CEO Ajikumar Parayil has even called it “the Holy Grail of noncaloric, high-intensity natural sweeteners.”

Looking Ahead

The collaboration between Manus Bio and Tate & Lyle not only emphasizes the importance of taste but also highlights their commitment to sustainability and quality. The security of Manus’s leaf-to-finished-product supply chain was a key factor that Tate & Lyle considered when forming this partnership. So, what does the future hold for this sweet alliance?

With both companies ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work, consumers can expect more deliciously sweet options that are equally good for the planet. So, get ready, Augusta! A sweet transformation is on the horizon!