Better Juice Launches First Commercial Full-Capacity Sugar-Reduction Plant

Sugar-reduction FoodTech start-up BetterJuice, Ltd has launched its first full-capacity manufacturing plant, setting the wheels in motion for full commercial production of its proprietary sugar-reducing immobilized enzymes The new facility will enable the Israeli company to fulfill current commissions from juice producers globally, as well as respond to anticipated new demands

The groundbreaking 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 better-foryou prebiotic and other non-digestible fibers

The new site, located in the Nes Ziona science park south of Tel Aviv, is replete with 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 sugarreducing 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

Better Juice’s technology can reduce up to 80 percent 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, 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, yogurts, ice creams, sorbets, and more, to the food and beverages manufacturer’s desired levels

“This move marks a major leap for ward 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 ”

Wired magazine recently rated Better Juice as one of the 10 most promising startups in Israel

Better Juice’s facility and operations also maintain high alignment to environmental, social and corporate governance principles

The biodegradable polymer beads are rechanneled to livestock feed after being used in the production phase, minimizing waste

The bioreactors, which have a 20-year lifespan, can be controlled remotely, reducing the company ’ s need for travel and its subsequent carbon footprint Only a small amount of energy is required to activate the bioreactors On a social level, the company boasts a 50 percent female workforce and assists manufacturers of fruit-based prod- for waste treatment, water recycling, and energy efficiency,” said Henry Elkoby, Chief Engineer of Better Juice

“Better Juice was founded with the vision of promoting the overall well-being of people globally,” said Eran Blachinsky, cofounder and co-CEO of Better Juice “The realization that also naturally squeezed fruit juice can harbor high quantities of simple sugar is what sparked the creation of the Better Juice technology

“It has been an incredible journey seeing our concept evolve into fruition, and onto the global market so that more people around the world can enjoy the full flavor and nutritional benefits of fruit juices ”

Better Juice was founded in 2018 as one of the first startups to be nurtured by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub ucts to comply with the various “ sugar tax” regulations in the regions where they operate

“We had to design and construct specialized systems from scratch to support our unique production processes while taking environmental considerations into account and adhering to the strictest requirements

“Better Juice brings a new hope for juice manufacturers and consumers, by reversing the perception of natural fruit juices as overly sugary products and turning juices into better-for-you beverages, ” said Amir Zaidman, chief business officer of The Kitchen Hub and a Better Juice board member “The company offers a truly better juice product by reducing the sugars while maintaining their natural profile of vitamins, minerals and fibers ” GN