Imperial Sugar Taps Amax NutraSource for Monk Fruit Extract

SUGARLAND, TexasImperial Sugar Company (ISC) signed a supply agreement with Amax NutraSource, Inc. for monk fruit extract (luo han guo).

As we continue to create innovative new alternatives to high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, partnering with reputable suppliers of high quality ingredients becomes paramount to the companys continued growth and success," said John Sheptor, President and CEO of Imperial Sugar Company.

ISC recently launched NatureWise Monk Fruit Sweetener.

According to an ISC press release, the company partnered with Amax because of its exclusive contract with a Chinese manufacturer of GRAS monk fruit. Amax is one of only two distributors of GRAS monk fruit in the U.S.

 It is a privilege to be selected as supplier for Imperial Sugars new Monk Fruit Sweetener," stated Larry Martinez, President of Amax NutraSource, Inc. With their patented compound crystallization process and the tremendous support and technology from our valued partnership in China, I believe Imperial Sugar will bring an exciting lower calorie sweetener to the market which consumers have been demanding."

In addition to the agreement, ISC is working on several initiatives with Amax. They will be joining the company at its booth at the Supply Side West Expo in Las Vegas Oct. 10-14, 2011, where ISC will be demonstrating its monk fruit product at the booth and will feature food items made with the sweetener.