2/18/2021

Bonumose secures investment from Hershey and ASR Group - FoodBev MediaBonumose secures investment from Hershey and ASRGroup
By Antonia Garrett Peel
18 February 2021
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The Hershey Company and American Sugar Re ning have co-led a Series B investment round in Bonumose, a start-up
with a patented process for affordable tagatose and allulose production.
Bonumose has developed a production process for high-purity rare sugars, including tagatose and allulose, that uses
low-cost plant-based starches.
According to American Sugar Re ning, a subsidiary of ASR Group International, these products contain fewer calories
than traditional sugars and have a ‘negligible’ glycemic index impact. Tagatose and allulose are also said to “tastecloser to sugar than any other alternative”, while offering a similar texture and mouthfeel.
The two rare sugars reportedly perform well across a variety of categories, including confectionery, beverages, dairy
and baked goods, but ASR Group says that historical cost structures have limited their widespread application.

https://www.foodbev.com/news/bonumose-secures-investment-from-hershey-and-asr-group/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=f8b695834801fc9f9f7d4449b421c6…

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2/18/2021

Bonumose secures investment from Hershey and ASR Group - FoodBev MediaBonumose will use the new funding to develop its rst commercial-scale tagatose and allulose production plant, as
well as to advance the development of products in its research and development pipeline.
Rob Sproull, ASR Group’s senior vice president of sales, marketing & product development, said: “Sugar sets a high bar
in terms of taste, functionality and cost, and most sugar alternatives fall short.
“Our investment in Bonumose expands our portfolio to provide customers with sugar alternatives that offer fullavour, closely matching functionality across multiple food and beverage applications, and at a lower cost than otheralternatives.”
ASR Group is Bonumose’s distribution partner for food, dietary supplements, personal care and pharmaceuticalcustomers in the US, Mexico, Canada, the UK, Ireland and much of mainland Europe.
Hershey’s partnership with ASR Group to co-lead the equity investment in Bonumose is part of a recently announced
strategy to expand in the better-for-you confection category.
Hershey says that the investment – made through its C7 Ventures – enables a research and development partnershipto advance the taste of zero- and reduced-sugar chocolate, as well as Hershey’s broader better-for-you snack
offerings.
“As an industry leader, Hershey remains committed to giving consumers a broad portfolio that offers the choices theyseek to meet their many snacking needs,” said Chuck Raup, Hershey president, US.
“In response and as part of our strategic vision, we’re making strategic investments, both internally and externally, andhave a focused plan that allows us to make reduced- and zero-sugar chocolate that still has the same amazing taste
consumers know and love.”
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