Tate & Lyle launched Purefruit monk fruit extract, which is a fruit-based, calorie-free sweetening ingredient. The product is part of a five-year strategic partnership with New Zealand-based BioVittoria Ltd. for the exclusive global marketing and distribution rights for BioVittoria’s monk fruit. Through the agreement, Tate & Lyle will support the development of Purefruit products with sales, research, marketing and product development. Using proprietary natural methods, the Tate & Lyle research team has further refined and improved the taste of its Purefruit products, the company says. BioVittoria will continue management of the monk fruit extract supply chain, including seedling cultivation, the grower network and natural processing.

Tate & Lyle, 2200 E. Eldorado St., Decatur, Ill. 62525; 877/353-1154; tateandlyle.com.