Core Insights - COFCO Group, through its subsidiaries COFCO Biotech and COFCO Nutrition and Health Research Institute, has launched D-Allulose, marking the first large-scale production of this sugar alternative in China, filling a gap in the high-end functional sugar market [1][2] - D-Allulose, a natural sugar found in various plants, has a sweetness level of about 70% compared to sucrose but only 10% of its calories, positioning it as a promising sugar substitute [1] - The approval of D-Allulose as a new food ingredient aligns with national health initiatives and is expected to drive the upgrade of the domestic sugar substitute industry [1][2] Industry Developments - Since 2017, COFCO Group has been developing D-Allulose by screening from 498 gene banks and conducting thousands of mutation tests, leading to the successful development of a high-performance enzyme for its production [2] - COFCO has established a comprehensive patent portfolio for the biological synthesis of D-Allulose, including 17 patents covering production strains, enzyme preparations, and separation processes, with 10 core patents already authorized [2] - The company aims to create an innovative ecosystem in the health food industry, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the industry's growth and competitiveness [2]