Member News

March 06, 2026

The flavor and fragrance manufacturer MANE has announced a new partnership with Arzeda, a pioneer in AI-driven protein design, to accelerate the commercialization of new, high-performance sweetening solutions and meet global demand for natural sugar reduction.

Based in Seattle, Arzeda is the developer of ViaLeaf Reb M, a revolutionary process that uses direct-from-leaf extract technology for stevia processing, improving production efficiency for Reb M and unlocking broader adoption across the food and beverage markets. 

The new collaboration between the pair will aim to address one of the industry's most pressing challenges: developing cost-effective, clean-label, lower-sugar products without compromising taste.

Through this partnership, MANE strengthens its scientific and technological leadership by integrating Arzeda's ViaLeaf technology.

Arzeda, meanwhile, will MANE's global production capabilities, commercial reach and expertise in flavour creation and taste modulation to accelerate the commercialisation of sweetener solutions. 

This new collaboration aims to tackle current reformulation challenges, including the demand for natural and clean-label ingredients, calorie reduction and the increasing pressure from public health regulations and sugar taxes.

Revolutionizing stevia: a major step forward in natural sweetening solutions 

A central focus of the collaboration is Reb M, the most desirable steviol glycoside because of its clean, sugar-like taste and lack of bitterness. 

Arzeda’s Intelligent Protein Design Technology enables the creation of highly efficient enzymes that have fundamentally disrupted the production cost structure of Reb M.

Through this innovation, Reb M—produced by bioconversion of natural stevia leaf extract—becomes a significantly more affordable, scalable and taste-optimised solution with strong sensory superiority, delivering the following major advantages:

Sugar reduction in product formulations using Reb M 

No bitter aftertaste, unlike legacy stevia grades

Natural origin, supporting clean-label positioning

Favourable cost performance.

Enhanced solutions for food and beverage innovation

The collaboration between MANE and Arzeda will enhance MANE's portfolio of sweeteners and flavour modulators, specifically targeting reduced-sugar beverages.

This category is a key priority given the critical importance of taste performance, shaped by consumer preferences and sugar tax regulations.
 
The collaboration supports a streamlined approach to sweetness restoration through the use of the following: 

Sweetener ingredients: Reb M and other optimised E960 natural-origin sweeteners 

Flavour-modulating solutions and SENSE CAPTURE technologies, improving sweet perception and reducing off-notes.

The combination of these technologies enables MANE's technologists and flavorists to achieve significant sugar-reduction targets while developing high-quality, sensory-rich products that meet consumer demand.

This ability is essential for success in today's cost-conscious market.