Food & Beverage Asia Jun/July 2021

16
BITING ISSUES
Amano
Amano introduces savoury enzyme for plant protein products
Umamizyme Pulse, a non-GMO enzyme
designed for use in a variety of plant protein
products to produce a pleasant, savoury
(umami) flavour, similar to that provided
by monosodium glutamate (MSG), as well
as a sensation of richness and complexity
(kokumi) has been introduced by Amano
Enzyme.
“Umamizyme Pulse is an animal-free
enzyme formulation optimised to produce
high glutamic acid and cysteine levels;
and less bitter flavour in proteins, including
pea, soy, almond and rice,” said Keita
Okuda, technical services team lead. “It
is comparable, or better than, traditional
ingredients for producing a rich, savoury
flavour in proteins, providing customers with
a vegan-friendly, clean label product.”
“Umamizyme Pulse also works well in an
acidic environment, allowing our customers
to prevent contamination with less salt,”
added Okuda.
The new enzyme can be used to produce
umami and kokumi in a variety of foods,
including soups, broths, snacks, and meat
substitutes.
Founded in 1899, Amano Enzyme is a
major supplier of specialty enzymes, with
subsidiaries in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
Amano Enzyme USA Co., Ltd. supplies highquality,
microbial enzymes for the Food,
Dietary Supplement, Industrial, Diagnostic,
and Regenerative Medicine Industries to the
Americas. With multi-ton manufacturing
capabilities, SQF Level 2 certification,
and technical expertise Amano provides
unparalleled service along with guaranteed
quality products. ■
Photo credit: Eiliv-Sonas Aceron/ Unsplash
SweeGen
SweeGen’s Bestevia ® zero-calorie stevia sweeteners accepted
for use in Malaysia
As pandemic conditions encouraged Asian
consumers to adopt healthier lifestyles and
diets, the Malaysia Ministry of Health has
officially accepted SweeGen’s zero-calorie
Bestevia sweeteners, Rebaudiosides D, E
and M for use as ingredients in food and
beverage products.
Brands in Asia are striving to deliver sweet
indulgence alongside new and exciting
flavors in snacks and beverages to satisfy
consumers’ cravings. The acceptance
of not just one, but three of SweeGen’s
Malaysia Ministry of Health has officially accepted
SweeGen’s zero-calorie Bestevia sweeteners,
Rebaudiosides D, E and M for use as ingredients in
food and beverage products
premium stevia ingredients, gives brands in
Malaysia the creative latitude to tackle sugar
challenges when innovating and renovating
products.
Luca Giannone, senior vice president of
Sales, said: “Our promise well into the future
is to ultimately move the needle in what
consumers eat and drink through better
sugar reduction solutions.”
Malaysia is one of the many APAC (Asia
Pacific) countries where SweeGen’s non-
GMO stevia sweeteners will change the
landscape for offering a low cost-in-use
sugar reduction solution.
SWEEGEN VENTURES INTO ASIA
SweeGen is also in the process of opening
a food and beverage application centre
in Singapore to collaborate with brands
on exploring and discovering product
innovations motivated by consumer trends
and regional tastes. Last year, Singapore’s
food safety authority approved SweeGen’s
Rebs D and E in 2020 and Reb M in 2019.
Next generation non-GMO stevia sweeteners
have led the way in replacing sugar in
foods and beverages, nutritional products,
and many other market products worldwide.
SweeGen’s proprietary zero-calorie
stevia sweeteners are produced through
a patented bioconversion process, which
begins with the stevia leaf to achieve highpurity
clean-tasting Rebs D, E and M.
SweeGen offers food and beverage
manufacturers rapid innovation sugar
reduction solutions for beverage, dairy,
savoury, bakery and confectionery. Bestevia
Rebs D, E and M were commercialised in
the past few years, and have already been
approved in many regions around the world.
Hadi Omrani, director of Regulatory Affairs,
said: “We’re looking forward to continuing our
goal throughout the region which will help
an industry that strives to be relevant with
consumers.” ■
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA JUNE / JULY 2021