New $500 million biotech production site in UAE to develop sugar alternative
The agreement to build the production site was signed in Dubai
Dubai: Novel Foods Group, Abu Dhabi-based firm in the alternative proteins sector, has announced a landmark agreement with other global engineering companies to commence the planning phase of a $500mn biotech production site located in the UAE.
The agreement, a media release said, was signed between Novel Foods, Glatt Group, BioEngineering AG, and CB Consultancy AG during the inaugural Healthy Innovation Conference (HiConf) held recently in Dubai.
The new biotech production site will focus on the development of brazzein, a natural sweet protein with a genuine sugar taste that is several thousand times sweeter than traditional sugar (sucrose). The commercial applications of brazzein extend across various sectors, including beverages, confectionery, bakery, as well as dairy and ice cream.
The growing use of brazzein comes at a time when the global alternative sugar market is growing faster than the traditional sugar market, with a yearly growth rate of approximately 5 per cent versus 1 per cent, respectively.
Alaa Al Ali, Shareholder and Member of the Board of Novel Foods Group, emphasizes: "We believe people should enjoy the sweetness they love without sacrificing health or taste."
Brazzein is currently derived from berries of the equatorial belt of West Africa and has been an integral part of local consumption for centuries. However, challenges in harvesting due to remote locations and limited availability are now being addressed through precision fermentation, a process combining traditional fermentation and precision biology to economically bring brazzein into the commercial market.