Better Juice opens sugar-reduction plant for juicing

Sugar-reduction food tech start-up Better Juice Ltd. has opened its first full-capacity manufacturing plant for full commercial production of its proprietary sugar-reducing immobilized enzymes.

The new facility will enable the company to fulfill current commissions from juice producers globally, as well as respond to anticipated new demands.

The  technology, developed by the Israeli start-up, produces proprietary beads composed of non-GMO microorganisms that naturally convert the juice’s composition of fruit sugars including sucrose, glucose and fructose into prebiotic and other non-digestible fibers.

The new site, located in Tel Aviv, includes commercial-scale equipment, including an industrial fermenter and industrial immobilization processor. The specialized equipment is used for growing and harvesting the beaded microorganisms used in producing Better Juice’s immobilized sugar-reducing enzymes. The site also houses pilot labs and the company’s new headquarters.

The new plant has a production capacity to support sugar-reduction of 250 million liters of juice per year. Better Juice has entered into commitments with a number of juice companies to reduce the sugar loads in various fruit juices, including apple, orange and pineapple juices.

This technology can reduce up to 80% of the simple sugar content in fruit juices and fruit-based condiments without any degradation of naturally occurring nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It does not dilute the product in a way, maintaining the body and full flavor of the juice and only gently reducing the sweetness. Better Juice’s groundbreaking technology decreases the naturally occurring simple sugar loads in a versatile range of products, including juices, jams, yoghurts, ice creams, sorbets and more, to the food and beverages manufacturers desired levels.

“This move marks a major leap forward in our commercialization efforts,” said Gali Yarom, co-founder and co-CEO. “We project that the new plant will accommodate our production needs for the next four years. As interest and demand in our technology continue to flourish in the global fruit juice sphere, we will expand our production capabilities outside of Israel as well.”