Umii Products Announces Agreement with Tate & Lyle

According to terms of the agreement, Las Vegas-based Umii will use PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract in its extensive zero-calorie U-line of beverage supplements made for adults and children.

Oct 28 2011 --- Umii Products announced it has signed a three-year agreement with Tate & Lyle for the usage of PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract in its all natural U line of beverage supplements. The agreement showcases Umii’s commitment to delivering great-tasting products using the best products available on the market - including the only natural, fruit-based, calorie-free sweetening ingredient available today.

According to terms of the agreement, Las Vegas-based Umii will use PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract in its extensive zero-calorie U-line of beverage supplements made for adults and children. The agreement also allows Umii to use the consumer-friendly ‘Sweetened with PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract’ trademark on its product packaging.

“Tate & Lyle is a recognized global leader in the development of food ingredients and solutions,” says Stephen Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Umii Products. “This agreement gives Umii Products the opportunity to collaborate with a leading provider of healthy solutions for the usage of PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract in the unique, great-tasting formulations in the Umii Product lineup. We are pleased that this agreement has paved the way for additional opportunities to use Purefruit Monk Fruit Extract to broaden the appeal of Umii products to families and individuals.”

“Umii is a growing natural products company that has developed great-tasting zero-calorie beverages for adults and children,” says Karl Kramer, President, Innovation & Commercial Development, Tate & Lyle. “In addition to its great taste, PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract enables a ‘sweetened with fruit extract’ label claim on Umii’s products, which our research shows is extremely appealing to consumers.”

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is native to South East Asia where it has been in use for hundreds of years. Its pulp is steeped in hot water to release a natural, calorie-free sweetening ingredient that’s around 200 times sweeter than sugar.

PUREFRUIT Monk Fruit Extract is an extract made from monk fruit that can be formulated into a variety of foods including beverages, dairy, cereals, confectionery and bakery products.