NutraSweet to cease aspartame and L-phenylalanine production

NutraSweet has announced it will shut down its aspartame and L-phenylalanine production plant by the end of 2014 as part of a move to exit the aspartame segment of its business.

NutraSweet CEO William DeFer says the decision was based on foreign competition pressures.

“Low-cost imports now dominate the aspartame market, making it impossible for us to sustain a profitable business while maintaining our unmatched standard of quality,” DeFer said.

“By contrast, neotame and Twinsweet, our other sweeteners, occupy unique, high-value positions in a market where food and beverage makers need low-calorie alternatives to satisfy changing consumer tastes.”

The company will fulfil its existing customer contracts and will assist customers with supply allocations until the shutdown. The company will maintain production, sales and distribution capabilities for its neotame and Twinsweet products.