DFI and Mitr Phol Expand Production of Natural Sweeteners in Asia

26 Sep 2016 --- Paul Magnotto, Founder & CEO of DFI, and Krisda Monthienvichienchai, Mitr Phol Group Chief Executive Officer have jointly announced that both companies had reached a strategic investment and partnership agreement to expand production of natural sweeteners that offer distinct health benefits and superior taste compared to existing low calorie sweeteners.

Magnotto said: “We are very excited about this partnership and Mitr Phol’s investment. It will allow us to significantly expand our innovative, patented, electrochemistry platform to transform common sugars into low calorie products found in nature, without compromising taste. Our ingredients contain no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, fillers, or preservatives. It will allow us to bring scientifically-validated, ‘better for you’ natural sweeteners to consumers around the world who are looking for ways to eat healthier capitalizing on the global trend away from artificial sweeteners to natural sweeteners.”

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst Jeff Nedelman from Strategic Communications, DFI, said: “Erythritol’s health benefits are well-established. In addition to its great taste, it provides oral cavity health and is terrific for people with diabetes and who are trying to manage their carbohydrate intake.”

He also noted: “DFI’s electrochemical process is a technological leap ahead of fermentation and chemical extraction, both of which take time, are expensive and have environmental issues.”

“Importantly, this joint venture partnership will provide access to the world's largest market while leveraging a well-established customer base and technical prowess for factories in Asia,” says Magnotto.

According to Mitr Phol Group CEO, Krisda Monthienvichienchai said: “Mitr Phol is very pleased to be investing in DFI. DFI’s technology and people are highly innovative and world class.  We look forward to building production plants in Thailand in the near future and it is important to note that erythritol and xylitol will use both sugarcane and cassava grown in Thailand. In addition, these two natural and bio-based products fit well as complementary sweetener products for our existing customers and markets.”  

Richard Bellas, DFI’s Chief Commercial Officer, and a 22 veteran of PepsiCo said, “Consumers are demanding natural products and health is a big concern globally. The rate of diabetes and dental issues are also rising. There is a well-established body of science demonstrating that erythritol & xylitol are the natural sweeteners of choice that has the taste consumers are looking for without the aftertaste and other health concerns artificial sweeteners present today.  Many large food and beverage producers have already launched 100’s of new products globally using these two sweeteners.  The new global partnership will be reaching out to consumers, food & beverage producers and others looking to expand the use of these products and new products in others areas. 

“While Erythritol and Xylitol are currently sold in natural food stores, this partnership with MP could reach into the 100’s of millions of Asian homes with a tabletop portfolio, too. DFI has the vision to bring to market a broad range of products that meet consumer demands for taste while offering medically important health benefits in the most environmentally responsible ways. DFI’s patented technologies break new ground that will allow economic efficiencies to deliver products that already have enormous consumer acceptance," explains Bellas.   

“In addition, we believe this partnership will be developing ingredients that can be used to reduce antibiotic uses in animal feed. Additional products using the technology will produce Xylitol, other renewable consumer household products and renewable chemicals such as ones used to produce renewable based plastics,” he said.

Currently, Erythritol and Xylitol account for approximately 4.5% of the total polyol (sugar alcohol) market, or .0385% of the total world sweetener market.     

DFI’s pilot facility, built at Electrosynthesis Company in Lancaster, NY, has now been operating efficiently for nearly two years. Engineering work is underway on DFI’s first full-scale production facility to be named soon. 

by Elizabeth Kenward