Cargill and Evolva have announced the achievement of a technical milestone in their joint development program of fermentation-based minor steviol glycosides - the compounds responsible for the sweet taste in the stevia leaf.
The milestone is said to be an enabling step in bringing additional great tasting stevia-based sweeteners to market in a cost-effective and sustainable way for food and beverage manufacturers.
As a result of the achievement, Cargill will make a US$1 million milestone payment to Evolva. Evolva is eligible for total milestone payments of up to US$7.5 million during the R&D period.
In 2013, Cargill and Evolva entered into an agreement to jointly develop and commercialise fermentation-based minor steviol glycosides. Later in 2013 the companies announced that their program was moving into pilot-scale ahead of schedule.
“We are encouraged by this project’s trajectory,” said David Henstrom, global business director for Health Ingredients, Cargill. “We look forward to offering cost-effective, great tasting, minor steviol glycosides in the market in the near future.”
“The Cargill and Evolva teams are making excellent progress in a great spirit of cooperation,” said Neil Goldsmith, Evolva CEO. “We are working hard to bring the project forward to the next important milestone.”
