Sipal Partners introduces organic fructose syrup

Fructose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) found mainly in honey, tree fruits, berries, melons, and some root vegetables. The GI measures how quickly certain foods release carbohydrates into the body, which then raise consumers' blood glucose levels. High GI foods cause blood sugar levels to rise more rapidly. Therefore, because of its low GI, fructose has been recommended as an alternative to sugar for people with diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia. Seda-Fruct, derived from wheat starch, has a fructose content of over 95 per cent. Sipal Partners says this means the ingredient has the highest sweetness level on the organic products market, and responds to the increasing demand for dietetic ingredients in the organic market. Sipal Partners specialises in organic products, for which there is a strong growing market. The world market for certified organic foods was estimated at €17.3-18.8bn in 2003, and this had risen to €25.5 billion by 2005. Seda-Fruct is made though isomerisation and the concentration of fructose fraction using the raw material wheat starch. It can be used to enhance the flavour in a variety of food, including drinks, yoghurts, fruit preparations, baby food, diabetic foods and ice cream. Sipal Partners are specialists in organic syrups and represent a collaboration of two family-run companies. Meurens Natural is a manufacturer of liquid or dehydrated syrups and natural sweeteners all produced from cereals and dried fruit. Sedamyl manufactures gluten and starch made from organic wheat. Sedamyl's large production unit and expertise means it has been able to develop this new fructose syrup. It provides an alternative to other sweeteners in the industry such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and Agave syrup. Agave syrup, currently used in Europe, contains a maximum of 70 per cent fructose, while HFCS, which is available in the US market, combines 55 per cent fructose with glucose. Some reports have suggested a link between HFCS and diabetes, as well as affecting hunger, satiety, or short-term energy intakes. There have been warnings on the possible dangers of large quantities of pure fructose, because the liver cannot process it all fast enough, causing it to make fats from the fructose, which it sends into the bloodstream as triglycerides. However, because of the strength of Seda-Fruct's sweetness, it can be used in reasonable amounts, says the company. The product will be launched at this year's FIE in London.