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Fungi specialist MycoTechnology has partnered with global stevia solutions provider Adorvia Biotechnology, aiming to help manufacturers create better-tasting, lower-sugar food and beverage products.
The two businesses have formalised a global commercial collaboration that combines US-based MycoTechnology’s fungal fermentation and taste modulation expertise with China-based Adorvia’s advanced stevia technology, formulation capabilities and market reach.
This partnership brings together MycoTechnology’s Zukora Honey Truffle Sweet Protein with Adorvia’s Reb M stevia, offering F&B producers a new natural tool for sugar reduction amid rising demand for cleaner labels and better-for-you products.
According to MycoTechnology, Zukora delivers ‘smooth, clean sweetness’ without bitterness, metallic notes or a lingering aftertaste. Meanwhile, Adorvia’s Reb M stevia provides ‘a rapid sweet onset and strong sweetness intensity’.
Combined, they can help product formulators build optimised, low-calorie and no-calorie sweetener systems that closely match sugar’s taste and sweetness curve, while addressing common formulation challenges associated with high-intensity sweeteners.
Key elements of the collaboration include optimising sweetener blends and conducting joint go-to-market activities in North America. Adorvia Biotechnology will also be appointed MycoTechnology’s exclusive distributor in China for ClearIQ Natural Flavor, a multifunctional flavour modifier created through mycelial fermentation to help enhance the taste of better-for-you foods and beverages.
Jordi Ferre, CEO of MycoTechnology, said: “With the launch of Zukora Honey Truffle Sweet Protein, MycoTechnology is expanding the toolkit for natural, non-artificial sugar reduction”.
“Adorvia is an ideal partner to help accelerate this vision. By combining Zukora's clean sweetness profile with Adorvia's high-quality Reb M, we can deliver more sugar-like solutions to customers while expanding our reach from the United States to China and other global markets.”
Jeff Pei, general manager of Adorvia Biotechnology, said the company sees “global demand” for MycoTechnology’s ingredients.
“With ClearIQ, we can help food and beverage companies in China enhance desirable flavours, mitigate negative flavours such as bitterness and protein off-notes, and improve mouthfeel by reducing astringency.”
MycoTechnology will showcase prototypes at the IFT FIRST event in Chicago, US, demonstrating the performance of Zukora Honey Truffle Sweet Protein and Adorvia Reb M stevia. These include a 50% reduced-sugar lemon and lime slushie, and a low-sugar chocolate cookie dough protein bar.