Core Insights - D-Allulose, a new low-GI sweetener, has been approved for commercial use in China, with significant industry interest and potential applications in food products [1][2][4] - The global market for D-Allulose is projected to reach $14.77 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% from 2025 to 2034 [3] Industry Overview - The approval of D-Allulose aligns with the "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)" initiative, which aims to limit daily added sugar intake to 25 grams per person by 2030 [1] - D-Allulose is recognized for its sugar-like taste, low caloric content (1.67 kJ/g or 0.4 kcal/g), and potential health benefits, including no impact on blood lipids or uric acid levels [2] Production and Supply Chain - D-Allulose can be produced through two main methods: fermentation using E. coli and enzyme-catalyzed conversion [4][5] - Companies like COFCO and Zhongda Hengyuan are actively developing production capabilities, with COFCO utilizing self-developed enzymes for production [5] - The production process is complex, with a need for advanced technology and significant initial investment, leading to a competitive landscape among producers [4][5] Market Dynamics - Downstream companies, including Wahaha and Mengniu, are showing interest in D-Allulose, but large-scale application is still in the testing phase [6][7] - The current cost of D-Allulose is significantly higher than other sweeteners, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 24,000 yuan per ton, compared to around 10,000 yuan per ton for erythritol [8] Future Prospects - The industry is optimistic about D-Allulose's potential, citing its broader application scenarios compared to erythritol, particularly in products sensitive to crystallization [10] - Key factors for market success include ongoing technological innovation, cost control, and the establishment of a complete industry ecosystem [10]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of D-allulose by COFCO Group marks a significant advancement in China's high-end functional sugar market and breaks international technological monopolies in the field of biological manufacturing [1][2]. Group 1: Product Launch and Market Impact - COFCO Group, through its subsidiaries, has introduced the first domestically produced D-allulose product, filling a gap in the high-end functional sugar market in China [1]. - D-allulose is recognized as a promising sugar substitute, with a sweetness level approximately 70% that of sucrose but only 10% of its calories, making it suitable for various food applications [1]. - The global D-allulose market is projected to reach $14.77 million in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% from 2025 to 2034 [1]. Group 2: Industry and Health Implications - The introduction of D-allulose aligns with national public health initiatives, such as the "Weight Management Year," providing essential support for the Healthy China strategy [2]. - The product opens new innovation opportunities in low-sugar tea and baking industries, allowing consumers to enjoy healthier sweetness without compromising taste [2]. Group 3: Technological Advancements and Research - COFCO Group has invested significantly in research and development, successfully developing high-performance D-allulose-3-epimerase after extensive trials and genetic modifications [2]. - The company has established a comprehensive patent portfolio related to the biological synthesis of D-allulose, covering production strains, enzyme preparations, and separation processes, with 10 core patents already authorized [2][3]. - COFCO Group's commitment to technological innovation is reflected in its strategic initiatives, including policies that incentivize research and development as a core part of its business strategy [3].

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]

Group 1 - The sugar substitute market in China is expanding, with a projected market size exceeding 400 billion yuan in 2023 and expected to reach 600 billion yuan by 2025 [2] - China is the largest producer of sugar substitutes globally, accounting for 75% of the world's production [2] - The demand for sugar substitutes is driven by health considerations, with 75% of beverage consumers in China opting for sugar-free products [2] Group 2 - Erythritol has become a mainstream sugar substitute due to its safety, zero calories, and non-impact on blood sugar levels, with the global market expected to reach approximately $910 million by 2024 [3] - In 2023, China's erythritol production capacity reached 380,000 tons, exceeding global demand, leading to price declines from 40,000 yuan/ton to 9,500 yuan/ton [3] - The erythritol industry is entering a phase of capacity reduction starting in 2024 due to previous overcapacity [3][4] Group 3 - Erythritol prices have shown signs of recovery, with current prices around 10,000 yuan/ton after a brief increase to 13,000 yuan/ton [5] - Major companies like Dongxiao Biological and Sanyuan Biological are focusing on improving production efficiency and product quality in the erythritol sector [6] - Dongxiao Biological is developing deep processing products from erythritol, such as erythritol ketone, which is gaining popularity in the European and American markets [6] Group 4 - Allulose, a new generation sugar substitute, has been approved for use in China, with a sweetness level of about 70% that of sucrose and only 10% of its calories [7] - Major sugar substitute producers are increasing investments in allulose production, with Dongxiao Biological expecting to launch its first products by the end of the year [8] - The global allulose market has grown from $33 million in 2019 to $173 million in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 33.26% [9]

Industry Overview - The domestic erythritol industry is establishing a new order after a round of capacity reduction and anti-dumping issues in Europe and the United States [1] - Erythritol supply and demand have returned to balance, but market prices remain low [1][2] - The new sugar substitute, allulose, has been officially approved and is expected to launch products within the year, initiating a new wave of competition [1] Company Performance - Sanwei Biological reported a revenue of 320 million yuan in the first half of the year, a decrease of 15.6% year-on-year, while net profit increased by 10.7% to 60 million yuan [1] - Baolingbao's performance improved significantly, with a revenue of 1.4 billion yuan, an 18% year-on-year increase, and a net profit of 90 million yuan, up 33.7% [1] - Baolingbao's sugar-reducing sweetener business generated 370 million yuan in revenue, a 61.2% increase year-on-year, with a gross margin improvement of 5.6 percentage points to 14.9% [1] Market Dynamics - The erythritol market experienced a surge in demand around 2021 due to the popularity of sugar-free beverages, leading to an expansion in production capacity [2] - By May 2023, domestic erythritol production capacity reached 380,000 tons, significantly exceeding global demand, resulting in a price drop from 40,000 yuan/ton to 9,500 yuan/ton [2] - The industry is currently in a painful capacity reduction phase, with overcapacity largely resolved as some new capacities have been halted or repurposed [2] Competitive Landscape - Competition in the erythritol industry has shifted from capacity to efficiency and quality [3] - Companies are focusing on improving production efficiency through advanced technologies, such as synthetic biology and precision fermentation [3] - The market is expected to see a consolidation of smaller players, allowing leading companies to capture a larger market share [3] New Product Development - Allulose has been approved as a new food ingredient, with major sugar substitute producers increasing investments and planning large-scale expansions [4] - Baolingbao's annual production capacity for allulose is expected to exceed 5,000 tons after technical upgrades, with plans to expand by an additional 20,000 tons in March 2025 [4] - The market performance of allulose remains to be seen, as its cost is still higher than erythritol despite improvements in extraction efficiency [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - The domestic erythritol industry is establishing a new order after experiencing capacity reduction and anti-dumping issues in Europe and the United States, while a new competition is emerging with the approval of allulose as a new sugar substitute [1][3]. Industry Overview - The supply and demand of erythritol have returned to balance, but market prices remain low [2]. - The erythritol market saw a significant increase in demand around 2021, driven by products like sugar-free sparkling water, leading to an oversupply situation by 2023, with production capacity reaching 380,000 tons, far exceeding global demand [3][4]. - The price of erythritol has fluctuated, dropping from 40,000 yuan/ton to 9,500 yuan/ton, and currently stabilizing around 10,000 yuan/ton [3][5]. Company Performance - Sanwei Biological reported a revenue of 320 million yuan in the first half of the year, a decrease of 15.6% year-on-year, while net profit increased by 10.7% to 60 million yuan [3]. - Baolingbao's revenue for the same period was 1.4 billion yuan, an 18% increase year-on-year, with net profit rising by 33.7% to 90 million yuan [3]. - Baolingbao's sugar-reducing sweetener business generated 370 million yuan, a 61.2% increase year-on-year, with erythritol revenue growing approximately 89.5% [3]. Market Dynamics - The competition in the erythritol industry has shifted from capacity to efficiency and quality, with companies focusing on improving production processes [5]. - The market is expected to see a consolidation of smaller players, allowing leading companies to capture a larger market share and stabilize prices [7]. New Product Development - Allulose has been approved as a new food ingredient in China, with major sugar substitute producers increasing their investments and planning large-scale expansions [8]. - Baolingbao plans to increase its allulose production capacity to over 50,000 tons by 2025, while Sanwei Biological aims to double its capacity from 10,000 tons to 20,000 tons [8]. - The cost of allulose remains high compared to erythritol, but improvements in extraction efficiency are expected to lower prices [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The approval of D-alloheptulose as a new food ingredient in China is expected to invigorate the domestic sugar substitute market, which is already competitive with existing substitutes like erythritol and aspartame [2][14]. Industry Overview - The global production capacity of D-alloheptulose is concentrated in the US, Japan, and South Korea, with the top five companies holding approximately 70% of the market share [4][5]. - The global market for D-alloheptulose has grown from $0.33 billion in 2019 to $1.73 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.26%, and is projected to reach $5.45 billion by 2030 [13]. Market Dynamics - The approval of D-alloheptulose is part of a broader trend where more sugar substitutes are being allowed in the food industry, leading to new product formulations that cater to consumer demand for low-sugar options [3][16]. - The competition in the sugar substitute market is intensifying, with erythritol being a widely used natural sweetener, and D-alloheptulose presenting a potential opportunity for differentiation due to its unique properties [14][15]. Production and Technology - D-alloheptulose is primarily produced through microbial fermentation and enzyme conversion methods, which have their own advantages and challenges [8][9]. - Domestic production of D-alloheptulose faces technical barriers, particularly in enzyme performance and crystallization processes, which are critical for efficient production [9][10]. Competitive Landscape - Established companies with a long history in the D-alloheptulose market have a competitive edge over new entrants due to their technological expertise and established customer relationships [12]. - The regulatory environment for D-alloheptulose production is stringent, requiring extensive safety evaluations and approvals, which can delay market entry for new producers [12]. Application Potential - D-alloheptulose has versatile applications across food, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements, with its ability to enhance flavor and improve product characteristics in various formulations [6][8]. - The growing consumer awareness of health and wellness is driving demand for low-calorie sweeteners, positioning D-alloheptulose favorably in the market [16].

Core Viewpoint - The leading company in the sugar substitute industry, Baolingbao, reported significant revenue and profit growth in the first half of 2025, driven by increased sales of core products and improved gross margins [1] Financial Performance - Baolingbao achieved a revenue of 1.399 billion yuan, representing an 18.02% year-on-year increase [1] - The net profit reached 92.672 million yuan, marking a 33.66% year-on-year growth [1] - The comprehensive gross margin improved to 13.17%, with core products generating 664 million yuan in revenue, up 32.15% year-on-year, and a gross margin of 17.94% [1] Product Performance - Revenue from sugar substitutes increased by approximately 61.22% year-on-year, with specific products like erythritol and crystalline fructose seeing revenue growth of 89.53% and 50.57%, respectively [1] - The company is focusing on the development of new products, including DHA algae oil and lactulose, with plans for production and licensing in 2024 [2] Market Opportunities - Baolingbao is capitalizing on the lowest anti-dumping tax rate of 34.4% imposed by the EU on its erythritol products, leading to increased sales in Europe and enhancing its domestic market presence [2] - The company anticipates significant demand growth for allulose following its approval as a new food ingredient, with plans to reduce costs and expand its application in the market [3] Industry Context - The sugar substitute industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing participation from various companies, including Baolingbao and others like Jinhe Industrial and Sanyuan Biological [3] - The company aims to leverage its technological advantages in functional sugars and enhance brand recognition and customer loyalty to maintain its industry position [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a significant surge in the sugar substitute concept stocks, with notable performances from several companies [1] Group 2 - Zhonghua International experienced a limit-up increase in its stock price [1] - Baolingbao saw an increase of over 5% in its stock price [1] - Huakang Co., Bailong Chuangyuan, and Xinghuo Technology also experienced upward movements in their stock prices [1]

Group 1 - The concept stocks related to sugar substitutes experienced significant fluctuations, with Zhonghua International hitting the daily limit increase [1] - Baolingbao saw an increase of over 5%, indicating strong market interest [1] - Other companies such as Huakang Co., Bailong Chuangyuan, and Xinghuo Technology also followed suit with upward movements in their stock prices [1]