Galam in new deal to handle fructose demand

Tat has begun the construction of a new plant for the production of crystalline fructose, which will come into operation at the end of 2008.

The company has granted the worldwide marketing and sales of its output, outside Turkey, to Galam Group.

Galam has already almost sold out of its fructose products for 2008, according to Galam corporate marketing manager, Jacques Maman.

The new partnership will provide Galam with thousands of tonnes more fructose a year, but he did not want to reveal at this time the exact extent of the increase.

Israel-based Galam, which has 20 years of experience in the production of the sweetener, will also assist Tat in fructose production and R&D.

Such measures to expand the sector reflect the growing success of fructose - as well as the dwindling supplies that result from this new trend.

Although fructose currently remains a small, niche market, at present there is not enough supply to meet the demand.

According to Maman, the annual worldwide production of fructose is equal to about 300,000 tonnes, while sugar production is much greater - over 150m tonnes.

" We saw that there is a shortage and that prices are going up," he said .

"In the past year, the cost of fructose has increased by between 5 and 10 per cent.

We have tried to find solutions to increase capacity, and we believe expansion is one of the answers."

Maman explained that the increased demand is due to a variety of reasons.

He said: " Fructose is completely natural as it comes from sugar or corn and has many advantages, having a low GI content and calorie count.

Also, our fructose is non-GMO and the big trend at the moment is to have clean-label ingredients."

A new development in soft drinks has also pushed up demand, according to Maman.

He said: "In the past two years, flavoured water has really increased in popularity.

For this product, fructose is the best option because it actually enhances the flavour of the fruit, and does not leave the aftertaste that artificial sweeteners do, therefore providing a healthy alternative."

At the same time, more and more countries are emerging as importers of fructose, such as Korea and China, further raising the demand.

Two weeks ago, Galam acquired a major participation in the Spanish liquid manufacturer, Atomer.

This was intended again to build on the market demand for natural sweeteners while also strengthening Galam's position on the liquid fructose market.

Meanwhile, Atomer had only sold its liquid sweeteners to Spain, but wanted to extend its sales further.

Tat Nisasta already manufactures starch, which stores fructose.

Fructose is a natural sweetener produced from sugar or corn and can come in two forms - liquid and crystalline.

It can be used in various applications, including dairy, beverages and baked goods.

Fructose is particularly appealing to consumers because of its low GI content.

The GI measures how quickly certain foods release carbohydrates into the body, which then raise blood glucose levels.

High GI foods cause blood sugar levels to rise more rapidly.

Therefore, fructose is recommended for people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia.