Asia-Pacific brands now have access to an expanded portfolio of sugar reduction solutions with the approval of SweeGen’s Bestevia Rebs D and E in Singapore.

SweeGen’s Bestevia Taste Solutions proprietary taste and sweetener platform offers solutions for applications across the spectrum, including beverages, dairy, confectionery, bakery and sauces.

According to a statement, the platform features the exclusive Bestevia e+ Taste Solutions which delivers one of the industry’s most cost-efficient, great tasting and complete sugar reduction options.

“The approval is great news for global and regional food and beverage manufacturers because they will have greater access to SweeGen’s Bestevia Taste Solutions sugar reduction portfolio,” said senior director of business development (Asia-Pacific), Lewis Tessarolo.

“These customised solutions incorporate our world-class supply of next generation, non-GMO stevia sweeteners along with proprietary flavours and texturants to solve the sugar reduction challenges of our customers.”

This latest stevia approval for SweeGen comes at a time when manufacturers are under pressure to develop sugar reduced options because of the growing health awareness among APAC consumers, coupled with Singapore Government health initiatives to curb obesity and diabetes.

Singapore’s Ministry of Health proposed multiple measures potentially impacting the food and beverage sectors including banning the sale of higher sugar pre-packaged drinks and imposing a tax on sugar-based drinks.

-- BERNAMA