Trehalose to enter Western markets
Japanese company to sell its sugar alternative in the Western
hemisphere.
American agribusiness Cargill has signed an agreement with a Japanese company to sell its sugar alternative, Trehalose, in the Western hemisphere, reported Bloomberg News.
The agreement with Hayashibara means that Cargill, the largest North American maker of corn-based sweeteners, has exclusive rights to manufacture and sell Trehalose, a sweetener distilled from corn, in the US.
Developed in Japan, Trehalose is being marketed to makers of sports drinks and nutrition bars. It induces a lower insulin response than other sugar-and corn-based sweeteners, according to Cargill. Elevated insulin levels have been linked to obesity and high blood pressure.
"Our first priority is to develop the market" in North and South America, a Cargill spokesman. Cargill may begin making the sweetener at its own corn mills, depending on demand, he added.