SOUTH KOREA – Samyang Corporation has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility for producing allulose and prebiotics in Nam-gu, Ulsan, South Korea.
This milestone was celebrated with a ceremony attended by key figures, including Ulsan City Deputy Mayor Seung-dae Ahn and Samyang Corporation CEO Nag-hyun Choi.
The plant, which represents a significant investment of approximately KRW 140 billion (around US$105 million), is poised to enhance Samyang’s position in the alternative sweetener market.
The facility is notable for being the largest allulose production plant in South Korea. It features two main buildings dedicated to allulose and prebiotic production.
It boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 25,000 tons, with 13,000 tons specifically allocated for allulose.
This capacity is more than four times greater than the company’s previous output, allowing for liquid and crystalline forms of allulose, which are particularly advantageous for export markets.
Allulose is a rare sugar found naturally in certain fruits. It provides about 70% of the sweetness of regular sugar but with zero calories.
In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) excluded allulose from total and added sugars labelling, recognising its minimal caloric impact.
This has led to increased interest in allulose as a healthier alternative sweetener. “With the establishment of the largest allulose plant in Korea, we are committed to enhancing our competitiveness in the domestic and international alternative sugar markets,” stated CEO Choi during the opening ceremony.
The new plant is a significant addition to Samyang’s production capabilities and a strategic move to expand its market reach.
The company aims to leverage this facility to propose innovative solutions by integrating allulose with prebiotics, thereby addressing the growing demand for health-focused food products.
The prebiotics produced by the plant include resistant dextrin and fructooligosaccharides, both known for their health benefits, such as promoting digestive health and regulating blood sugar levels.
Samyang Corporation is already making strides in international markets, participating in various global food exhibitions to promote its speciality ingredients.
The company is actively pursuing Novel Food approval in Australia and New Zealand, which will further facilitate its expansion efforts.
“We are on the verge of securing Novel Food approval, signaling a tangible path toward market expansion,” Choi added.
Samyang has ambitious plans to double its revenue share and increase its overseas sales ratio by 2030. The company focuses on North America, Japan, and Southeast Asia markets, where the demand for low-sugar and high-fiber products is rapidly increasing.
Samyang aims to solidify its market dominance in the alternative sweetener sector by enhancing its production capabilities and expanding its product offerings.
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