Mane is deepening its investment in next-generation sugar reduction, acquiring the exclusive global license to produce and commercialize Arzeda's ViaLeaf Reb M technology in a move that creates a fully integrated value chain for the high-intensity sweetener.
The agreement expands the strategic partnership announced in March 2026 between the flavor and fragrance manufacturer and Arzeda, an AI-driven protein design company. Under the new arrangement, Mane will oversee production, formulation, application development and global commercialization of ViaLeaf Reb M.
The technology is notable for being the first commercial ingredient enabled by AI-driven protein design, using enzymes engineered with Nobel Prize-winning computational protein design technology. The platform dramatically improves the economics of producing reb M (rebaudioside M), the steviol glycoside prized for its clean, sugar-like sweetness and minimal bitter aftertaste but historically limited by production cost and supply constraints.
By combining Arzeda's protein engineering platform with Mane's manufacturing footprint and flavor expertise, the companies aim to deliver a scalable, cost-competitive natural sweetening solution for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to reduce sugar without compromising taste.
"By combining Arzeda's breakthrough technology with Mane's production, flavor creation, application and commercial expertise, we can now offer the market a fully integrated Reb M solution," said Samantha Mane, CEO of Mane Group.
Alexandre Zanghellini, Ph.D., CEO of Arzeda, described ViaLeaf Reb M as "the first-ever product enabled by AI-driven protein design to reach the market," adding that Mane's global scale will help accelerate adoption of the technology.
For ingredient suppliers, the deal reflects a broader shift beyond simply sourcing high-value sweeteners toward controlling the entire commercialization chain. As demand for clean-label, lower-sugar products continues to grow, vertically integrated production models could provide manufacturers with greater supply security, formulation support and cost efficiencies while enabling broader adoption of premium stevia ingredients.
