• Japanese brand, Lakanto already enjoys a leadership position in the US market in the sweetener category.

• Monkfruit-based sweetener is hailed globally for no aftertaste, zero medical controversy, and unmatched health benefits.

• As per industry estimates, the market size for tabletop sweeteners in India in March 2022, was approx. USD 60 Mn, growing at a CAGR of 8-10%.

• The market is segmented into three major categories: Aspartame and Sucralose (Artificial) and Stevia (Natural). After 2021 Monkfruit as a category was approved.

• Owing to its price point and countrywide distribution, Aspartame is leading the category and contributing close to 65% followed by Sucralose (30%) and Stevia (5%)

Lakanto, a leading global brand from Saraya Japan, has brought the benefits of Monkfruit-based sweetener to Indian consumers. Lakanto comes from the house of Saraya, which is into manufacturing and sales of health and hygiene products and services. The company is a global leader when it comes to Consultation on food and environmental sanitation and development. It is one of the leading names in the manufacturing of natural sweeteners worldwide. In India, the brand is part of Saraya-Mystair Hygiene.

The story of Monkfruit dates back over a thousand years in remote mountain highlands of Asia, where monks discovered a fruit that was prized for its sweetness and rare abilities to raise ‘chi’ or ‘life energy. This sacred fruit was named ‘Monkfruit’ and was used for centuries to increase chi and well-being, earning it the nickname The Immortals’ Fruit.

Lakanto still harvests monk fruit in the same pristine area and according to traditional and environmental methods.

Most fruits get their sweetness from fructose and glucose, both of which tend to wreak havoc on blood glucose levels and are linked to a wide variety of other problems. Monk fruit’s sweetness doesn’t come from fructose or sucrose, but from healthy compounds called mogrosides, which is an antioxidant. Because the sweetness doesn’t come from sugar, the extract has no calories and no carbs and will not affect blood glucose levels in any way. The fact that it is an antioxidant means that desserts made from Lakanto could be helping to manage inflammation levels in the body and potentially even have anti-cancer results.

Lakanto Monkfruit Sweeteners have zero calories, zero net carbs, a low glycemic index, and are keto and paleo-friendly. They are great for both diabetics and those looking to live a healthier lifestyle.

The total diabetic population in India 77 million and expected to be double in the next five years.

The sweetener industry is now not limited to tea and coffee and expanding its usage to baking and cooking.

The brand has made a conscious effort to make the switch from sugar as convenient as possible by offering a 1:1 ratio for replacing sugar in all forms of consumption. The sweetener is ideal for cooking and baking because it mimics the sweetness of sugar by combining fruit extract and erythritol.

One of the major reasons for the success of Lakanto globally stems from the fact that the sweetener doesn’t compromise on taste in the name of health. It is the only sweetener available today with no aftertaste.

On the Indian foray, Rajesh Gupta, chief executive officer, and Vipul Sachdeva, India business head, Lakanto India, stated that, “We are quite excited about providing our products to customers in India. The Sweetener Industry in India is going through a dynamic shift from diabetic-centric to wellness and lifestyle oriented. Our goal is to bring ‘chi’ to all life by creating innovative, delicious, sugar-free products. We inspire people to reach their highest potential in health and wellness by helping them discover their ‘chi’. Our Organic Monk fruit Sweetener is a symbol of our devotion to quality ingredients and our commitment to respecting the environment. Since we completely avoid pesticides in our monk fruit farms, customers can freely choose any Lakanto product, regardless of the organic certification.”

Lanka grows and processes monk fruit in a way that is sustainable with its zero-emissions processing plant. This Monk fruit-based sweetener is a lifestyle-friendly product that works with ketogenic, diabetic, candida, paleo, vegan, low-sugar, non-GMO, and all-natural diets. It carries forward the tradition of healing by helping people get rid of their sugar addictions.

Lakanto’s products are available on leading e-commerce portals. The company is also rapidly expanding its offline presence in the country with the availability of its products across major stores.