Conagen Produces Two Thaumatin Protein Natural Sweeteners at Scale

Bedford, Mass., March 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Food and beverages brands get two more tools for their sugar reduction toolkits as Conagen announced the successful scale–up production of two new high–intensity sweeteners, thaumatin I and thaumatin II. The development will expand commercial partner Sweegen's robust sugar reduction solutions of zero–sugar natural sweeteners.

Thaumatin is a group of proteins found in the fruits of the tropical plant Thaumatococcus danielli. Each protein, thaumatin I and thaumatin II, varies slightly in sweetness profiles. Both proteins have been evaluated as 100,000 times sweeter than sugar on a molar basis and 3,000 times sweeter on a weight basis. The high sweetness factor can translate into a strategic cost–effective sugar reduction solution for brands seeking to get the most out of a natural sweetener.

The thaumatin proteins were developed from Conagen's peptide production platform, which had previously been used for the scaled production of another peptide sweetener, brazzein. "Conagen constantly improves its protein and peptide production platforms to generate more exciting new products,” said Casey Lippmeier, vice president of innovation at Conagen. “In this case, the platform has been leveraged to make thaumatin by several innovative approaches, but under a significantly shorter R&D timeline."

These two new, high–purity thaumatin proteins add to Sweegen's creative portfolio of sugar reduction solutions to help brands make low–calorie products. Brands can now explore the synergistic benefits of formulations that contain thaumatin and other products from Sweegen's Signature Sweetener portfolio, including brazzein and stevia. This diversity of natural, high–intensity sweeteners represents the most cost–effective approach for reducing sugar in food and beverages to deliver the best tasting match for the sweetness of sugar.

The desire for natural sweeteners will drive the demand for fruit and plant–based sweeteners, such as thaumatin and stevia, respectively. The main advantages to sweetening food and beverages with thaumatin are its familiarity and acceptance by consumers and the fact that it is approved for use in products by the majority of the countries in the world.

Health–conscious consumers are generally more accepting of natural sweeteners than sugar and artificial sweeteners. According to FMCG Gurus, Top 10 Future Trends 2030, “60% of global consumers currently believe natural sweeteners are healthier alternatives to sugar.” The trend report further stated, “Increasingly, consumers will want only products that contain real and authentic ingredients, and sweeteners will be no exception to the rule. As such, this will drive demand for sweeteners sourced directly from fruits and plants, something that the industry will respond to.”

Like most other proteins, when thaumatin proteins are consumed, they are digested into amino acids. However, because thaumatin communicates such a strong sweet taste, the levels used in most applications contribute almost no calories. It is one of the most intense sweeteners ever discovered.

Consumers increasingly expect to stock their pantries with low–to–no sugar products with food and beverages that fit into their lifestyle and diets. Thaumatin can complement a number of consumer lifestyles, such as diabetic, ketogenic, or low–to–no carbohydrate diets. These sweet proteins are low on the glycemic index.

"Thaumatin is the second announced product generated from our peptide platform, which fits well into our existing world–scale, precision fermentation infrastructure." Lippmeier further added, "Peptides and small proteins like brazzein and thaumatin can be very difficult to make economically; however, now that we have successfully scaled multiple peptides and proteins, we are willing to collaborate with other customers to make other novel peptide products."

Regulatory approval for thaumatin as natural sweeteners has passed in the European Union (E957), Israel, and Japan. In the United States, it is generally recognized as safe as a flavoring agent (FEMA GRAS 3732).

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About Conagen
Conagen is a product–focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large–scale manufacturing service capabilities. Our scientists and engineers use the latest synthetic biology tools to develop high–quality, sustainable, nature–based products by precision fermentation and enzymatic bioconversion. We focus on the bioproduction of high–value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavors and fragrances, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials industries. www.conagen.com

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JETEX AND FOUR SEASONS LAUNCH THE ULTIMATE PRIVATE JET RAMADAN EXPERIENCE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jetex, an award–winning global leader in executive aviation, is betting on the future of the global luxury market which increasingly is going experiential. Consumers' perception of luxury is changing, especially among younger consumers, and the concept is luxury is no longer only about purchasing tangible objects "" it is about opulent experiences, travel and instagrammable moments. As wealthy millennial customers shift their money from goods to experiences, Jetex presents the world's most special Ramadan experience in partnership with Four Seasons.

Building upon the tremendous success of Iftar in the Sky last year, Jetex unveils the ultimate Ramadan experience, which features even more unique elements, blending time–honored traditions with modernity.

Suhoor in the Sky is offered onboard a larger 18–seat private jet that has more space in which to savor the spirit of the Holy Month as the aircraft soars in the moonlight above the United Arab Emirates and the shimmering Arabian Gulf.

The evening commences at the award–winning Jetex VIP Terminal with a trio of traditional musicians and light refreshments in the calm of the private lounges. The passengers are then invited to board the aircraft on one of the Jetex Rolls–Royces that whisk to the aircraft.

Onboard, passengers are warmly welcomed by the Jetex cabin crew as well as the Four Seasons culinary team. For the first time, live traditional music is performed onboard and throughout the flight to create a warm and relaxing ambiance of a private majlis in the sky. As soon as the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude, passengers can enjoy scenic views of the Dubai skyline as well as a delectable Suhoor menu, created especially for the occasion.

From traditional Ramadan starters, freshly baked artisan breads and a wide selection of mezze, to the exquisite Omani lobster, lamb shank in traditional spices and rich poultry "" every gourmet taste is considered. Passengers of the 120–minute journey can enjoy Suhoor above the clouds at their own pace as the Jetex crew ensures the most comfortable private jet experience.

As soon as the aircraft arrives back at Dubai, passengers are invited to enjoy a wide range of desserts, teas and coffees at a dedicated lounge at Jetex VIP Terminal, as well as enjoy the leisure facilities of the terminal.

"Jetex delivers unique experiences to discerning travelers and is known for blending the world of private aviation with exceptional hospitality. We are proud to deliver this new experience in partnership with Four Seasons, the brand synonymous with excellence in luxury hospitality. Every element of Suhoor in the Sky is designed to create timeless, one–of–a–kind lifelong memories for anyone who experiences it," said Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex.

"Dreaming up inspired experiences is a core passion for us at Four Seasons Dubai," said Leonardo Baiocchi, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons. "We are delighted to partner with Jetex throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, to create a Suhoor experience that is nothing less than spectacular. With our trademark Four Seasons hospitality and the exceptional private aviation standards that Jetex is known for, we will be elevating luxury to a new cruising altitude."

To ensure utmost safety and comfort of travelers, aircraft cabin will be thoroughly sanitized using the signature Jetex bipolar ionization technology before and after each flight.

The unforgettable travel experience is priced from AED 140,000 for up to 14 travelers and will be available between 1 and 30 April 2022. All passengers are required to carry their passports to board the flight.

For reservations, please contact Jetex Premier Experience at experience@jetex.com.

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About Jetex:

An award–winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best–in–class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Four Seasons:

As the world's leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts currently manages 122 properties in 47 countries. Open since November 2014, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers a vacation experience of unlimited variety, and the highly personalized, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world. Recent awards and honors include Cond Nast Traveler Gold List and Forbes Travel Guide Five–Star Awards. For more information on Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, visit press.fourseasons.com/Dubai or check us out on www.instagram.com/fsdubai.

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