探寻“零糖”风潮背后：一颗玉米的“甜蜜”新生

Core Insights - The global consumer trend towards reducing sugar intake is driven by increased health awareness and weight management needs, with 75% of beverage consumers in China opting for sugar substitutes [1] - The global erythritol market is projected to reach approximately $910 million in 2024, with China dominating the market with a 73% share [1][3] - Shandong Dongxiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is emerging as a key player in the biotechnology sector in China, leveraging advanced corn processing technology and automation [1][3] Industry Overview - The shift towards "sugar reduction" in the food industry is supported by biotechnology, with natural sweeteners like erythritol redefining "healthy sweetness" [1] - Erythritol is recognized for its natural and safe properties, being the only natural sweetener with no daily intake limit recognized by international authorities [5][6] - The company has established partnerships with major brands such as Yuanqi Forest, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Unilever, highlighting its strong market position [6] Company Operations - Dongxiao Biotechnology utilizes a complete value chain from raw material to high-value products, processing corn into various products including starch sugars and amino acids [3] - The company has a robust R&D team of nearly 200 members, focusing on continuous innovation and optimization of fermentation processes to enhance production efficiency [7] - The company has achieved significant improvements in production, including a 5% increase in conversion rate and a 30% reduction in energy consumption through advanced membrane technology [7] Future Developments - Dongxiao Biotechnology is positioning itself for the next generation of natural sweeteners, specifically allulose, which has a sweetness level similar to sucrose but only 10% of its calories [9] - The company aims to expand its product offerings in functional products, including prebiotics, functional amino acids, rare functional sugars, and biodegradable materials [9] - The ongoing innovation in research, manufacturing, and supply chain integration reflects the company's commitment to contributing to the global health trend [9]