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Roquette, a global plant-based ingredients producer, and Bonumose, a provider of enzymatic solutions for rare monosaccharide production, have signed a cooperation agreement to advance the development and scalability of tagatose, a natural-origin sweetener with health benefits.

The partnership combines Roquette's extensive experience in starch and starch-based sweetener production with Bonumose's enzymatic technology for high-purity tagatose.

"Tagatose closely matches the taste, flavour and cookability of white sugar while offering health benefits such as reduced calories and an ultra-low glycemic index," said Ed Rogers, CEO of Bonumose. "We are excited to collaborate with Roquette, given their engineering prowess and multiple market routes, to support tagatose adoption."

Anne Hirsch, head of sugar management at Roquette, said the agreement aligns with the company's long-term vision of sustainable production and meeting the growing global demand for healthier sweetening solutions.

"By leveraging the strengths of both companies, the agreement aims to enhance the scalability of tagatose, reaffirming Roquette's commitment to innovative sugar management," Hirsch said.

Tagatose, a rare monosaccharide found naturally in small quantities in dairy products and some fruits, has been clinically shown to offer health benefits over traditional sugars. It has a low glycemic index, fewer calories and may have prebiotic effects.

However, large-scale production of high-purity tagatose has proven challenging. Bonumose's enzymatic technology, combined with Roquette's expertise in starch-based sweetener manufacturing, is expected to help overcome these obstacles.

The partnership comes as food and beverage companies face increasing pressure to reduce sugar content in their products amid growing consumer demand for healthier options. Tagatose could provide a viable alternative sweetener that delivers on taste while offering tangible health advantages.

Roquette, a family-owned company founded in 1933, operates in over 100 countries and has a turnover of around €5 billion. Bonumose, a Virginia-based start-up, has developed patented methods for continuously producing tagatose and other rare monosaccharides.

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