South Korean chemical and food ingredient manufacturer Samyang Corp. said on Wednesday that it has become the first allulose producer to secure approval for sales in Australia and New Zealand.
The company received “Novel Food” approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), allowing it to market allulose in both countries.
The approval enables broader use of the low-calorie sweetener in sugar-reduced products, Samyang said in a statement.
Allulose is a rare sugar that offers 70% of the sweetness of regular sugar but with significantly fewer calories, making it an attractive alternative for food manufacturers.
It also caramelizes like sugar, enhancing flavor profiles in processed foods.
Samyang began its FSANZ application process in November 2021 and received approval after three years.
The company plans to launch its B2B allulose brand, Nexweet, in the two markets and will focus on finding local clients.
Australia’s food market is expanding, driven by rising demand for low-sugar and organic products.
In New Zealand, the demand for sugar-reduced foods is supported by consumer preferences for gluten-free and nut-free items, Samyang added.
By Hyeon-woo Oh
ohw@hankyung.com
