Samyang Corp. secured regulatory approval to sell its allulose sweetener in Australia and New Zealand, marking the first such authorization for the sugar substitute in both countries.
The South Korean manufacturer received Novel Food clearance from Food Standards Australia New Zealand after a three-year review process. The company will market its B2B allulose brand, Nexweet, as it seeks to establish partnerships with local food producers.
Allulose provides 70% of sugar’s sweetness with minimal calories and maintains similar caramelization properties, making it attractive for manufacturers developing reduced-sugar products. The approval comes as Australia’s food sector sees increased demand for healthier alternatives, while New Zealand consumers show growing interest in sugar-reduced options.
The expansion into the Pacific market adds to Samyang’s chemical and food ingredients portfolio. The company aims to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences toward gluten-free and health-conscious products in both countries.
While the regulatory green light opens new opportunities, Samyang faces the challenge of convincing local food producers to adopt its sweetener alternative in a market traditionally dominated by established sugar substitutes.