From the outset of our D-allulose development and product innovation project, we recognized the critical importance of continuously gathering first-hand feedback from the public, healthcare practitioners, potential customers, and experts in relevant fields. Engaging with the public allowed us to understand their knowledge of sugar substitutes, including D-allulose, and their attitudes toward using these products. Insights from medical professionals highlighted the current limitations of D- Allulose in clinical settings and offered potential directions for future development. Investment experts provided valuable perspectives on D-allulose’s market potential and target demographics, which further refined our business strategy. At the same time, we also visited enterprises to understand the current product production process and environmentally friendly production. Feedback from biological experts helped us assess the feasibility of our R&D efforts and identify additional research directions.
We have proactively addressed every concern raised by our stakeholders. Through innovative manufacturing processes, we aim to enhance D-allulose’s scalability for mass production, ensuring it meets broader health needs. Additionally, we are committed to ongoing scientific and educational initiatives to raise public awareness about this health product and the benefits of sugar substitutes. All our human practices are goal-oriented and pragmatic, designed to ensure that our products effectively respond to the needs of our target audience.
Figure 1 Project Mind Map
2.1 A Survey Report on The Current Situation of D-allulose
2.1.1 Introduction
Our iGEM team from Pinghe-MCA conducted a survey among 15 people of different ages and positions to understand the current situation of sugar substitute in the public and their acceptance level of our program. The respondents are nine women and six men, mainly composed of high school students (14-18 years old), parents’ generation (35-45 years old) and retirees (over 60).
2.1.2 Results and Analysis
Figure 2 “Have you ever heard of D-allulose?”
As is presented in Figure 2, an impressive 93.33% of the public are familiar with the ingredient D-allulose, indicating its high popularity and widespread recognition. In contrast, only 6.67% of respondents reported that they had not heard of D-allulose, further underscoring its substantial market potential. This strong level of awareness not only reflects the increasing consumer demand for healthy, natural sweeteners but also sets a promising outlook for our D-allulose products.
Figure 3 “If you have used a sugar substitute, which one will you choose?”
As shown in Figure 3, there is a notable lack of public awareness regarding sugar substitutes, particularly emerging options like D-allulose and stevioside, with their recognition rates at zero. This indicates that almost no one is aware of their existence. Additionally, the “Unsure” segment, which accounts for a staggering 60%, highlights the widespread confusion and ignorance surrounding sugar substitutes. This situation not only reflects the insufficiency of market education and information dissemination but also presents an urgent challenge for us. While producing healthier, high-quality sugar substitutes like D-allulose, it is essential to simultaneously enhance our promotional and educational efforts. Through extensive outreach, we must raise public awareness of sugar substitutes, particularly D-allulose, and inform consumers about its unique benefits, such as low calorie content and its non-impact on blood sugar levels. This will help guide more people toward adopting healthy and informed dietary habits.
Figure 4 “What do you think needs to be improved in the sugar substitute market?”
Figure 4 indicates that a significant number of consumers have heightened expectations regarding product safety, which accounts for the largest portion at 33.33%. This highlights that safety is one of the most critical factors for consumers. Additionally, health benefits are also a major consideration, represented by 26.67% in the pie chart. This close ranking suggests that modern consumers increasingly prefer products that are not only safe but also offer health benefits.
Figure 5 “If we can develop a healthier, more popular D-allulose, would you like to try?”
The pie chart illustrates the public’s acceptance of our products. Specifically, 86.67% of respondents indicated that they would "extremely love to" try our products, which constitutes the majority of the chart and clearly demonstrates the strong interest and enthusiasm the public has for our offerings. The only notable disinterest arose from individuals with allergies to sweets, highlighting the importance of considering the specific needs and limitations of our target audience when promoting our products.
Figure 6 “Do you support our program & solution?”
The chart clearly demonstrates that the public has shown strong support for our carefully planned and thoroughly promoted project. Feedback indicates that our project holds significant development potential in the current market environment and has garnered both expectations and enthusiasm from the public.
3.1 A Questionnaire on the Awareness and Use of Sugar Substitutes
3.1.1 Introduction
Our team developed an online questionnaire titled “Awareness and Use of Sugar Substitutes” to gauge public understanding of these alternatives, their perceptions, and how they incorporate them into their daily diets. This will help us better position ourselves to meet the needs and preferences of various demographics.
By the fifth day after launching the questionnaire, we received 303 responses from participants primarily across China, with some from overseas. The respondents spanned all age groups—from under 18 to over 51—and included a diverse range of occupations, such as students, healthcare professionals, and business people. This varied sampling allows us to collect a comprehensive range of data from different life stages, career fields, and social backgrounds, providing a rich and multi-faceted perspective for our analysis.
Figure 7 Regional Distribution of Questionnaire Participants
Figure 8 Age Distribution of Questionnaire Participants
3.1.2 Results and analysis
Figure 9 Have you ever Heard of Sugar Substitutes?
The questionnaire revealed that 80% of respondents are aware of sugar substitutes, while 20% have not heard of them. This high level of awareness suggests that sugar substitutes are relatively well-known among the general population. However, the 20% who are unfamiliar with these products indicate a gap in public knowledge, presenting an opportunity for further education and outreach. Increasing awareness among this group could potentially expand the market for sugar substitutes, including D-allulose, by informing consumers about the benefits and uses of these healthier alternatives.
Figure 10 If you’ve heard of sugar substitutes, how did you hear about them?
The data presented in the figure indicates that one-sixth of the participants learned about sugar substitutes through the internet or social media. This highlights that, in our era of rapid technological advancement, social media serves as a primary channel for information dissemination. Additionally, over 30% of respondents obtained relevant information through friends and family or from books and magazines, underscoring the significance of personal social networks and traditional media in spreading information. Nearly 20% learned about sugar substitutes via television or other means, demonstrating the diversity of information sources.
Given these insights, we can prioritize social media platforms as a key entry point for promoting our products. By combining this approach with traditional media and word-of-mouth communication, we can develop a comprehensive communication strategy to maximize public awareness and acceptance of sugar substitutes across all demographics.
Figure 11 Have you ever used sugar substitutes?
According to the above data, we can see that more than half of the people have used sugar substitutes, one-fourth of the people have not used sugar substitutes or are not clear about their use of sugar substitutes; this set of data allows us to see that sugar substitutes in the current market are still a certain degree of acceptance, but there is still 50% of the market to be opened, from the 23% of the use of sugar substitutes is not clear about the situation can be disclosed that the current products on the market may not emphasize enough and do not do enough publicity. Therefore, we still have room to expand the market.
Figure 12 What is your main purpose of using sugar substitutes?
According to Figure 12, 51.5% and 30.23% of participants reported using sugar substitutes primarily for weight management and blood sugar control, highlighting consumers' strong focus on health management. Additionally, 37.21% opted for sugar substitutes as an alternative to regular sugar, indicating a high level of acceptance among participants. Furthermore, 15.61% and 12.62% used sugar substitutes to prevent dental caries and for other specific reasons. Overall, the desire for healthier lifestyles is the main motivation for using D-allulose. These findings underscore the growing health awareness and proactive approach of consumers, illustrating that sugar substitutes are increasingly seen not just as dietary alternatives but as integral components of broader health improvement strategies. Based on this data, businesses can tailor sugar substitute products to meet specific health needs.
Figure 13 In what foods or beverages are sugar substitutes used?
According to Figure 13, sugar substitutes are most commonly used in beverages, with 78.88% of participants incorporating them, reflecting a strong demand for healthier drink options. While the usage data for baked goods and desserts is lower than that for beverages, there remains notable market potential. However, only 18.48% of participants use sugar substitutes in home cooking, likely due to the longstanding preference for traditional sugar. In summary, personal consumers in the food industry increasingly use sugar substitute products to support their health. It is essential to market these products through e-commerce or direct-to-consumer platforms.
Figure 14 Have you ever heard of D-allulose?
Survey data revealed that only 16% participants had heard of D-allulose, while 83% had not. This indicates that the majority of people are still largely unaware of this low-calorie sweetener, highlighting the need for increased publicity and education to raise its profile. The disparity between this data and the broader public perception of sugar substitutes suggests that D-allulose is not yet widely recognized or popular in the market, indicating significant sales potential still to be explored.
Figure 15 Do you think D-allulose is healthier than regular sugar?
According to the survey data, 37.95% of participants believe that D-allulose is healthier than regular sugar, likely due to its advantages in calories and other aspects. Only a minority felt that traditional sugar was healthier, possibly reflecting concerns about the long-term safety of D-allulose. However, more than 50% expressed skepticism about the issue, indicating a general lack of public knowledge regarding D-allulose and other sugar substitutes.
Figure 16 Are you concerned about the possible health risks of D-allulose?
According to the data in Figure 16, 51.16% of participants were concerned about the health risks of D-allulose, which is more than half of the proportion. This indicated that although 14.52% of participants believed it to be safe, they were generally skeptical of D-allulose. At the same time, 34.32% of people lack the information related to D-allulose to make an accurate judgment, indicating that we need more publicity to help them make choices.
3.1.3 Conclusion
(1)Most people recognize sugar substitutes, indicating their growing market presence.
(2)The awareness gap offers a chance for market expansion by educating consumers to boost product penetration.
(3)Social media is the main information source for sugar substitutes, so our promotional efforts should focus on these platforms.
(4)Despite social media's prominence, we need a diverse communication strategy to reach different audience segments and enhance public awareness.
(5)A gap exists between awareness and usage, with some consumers influenced by factors like safety, taste, and price; targeted education can bridge this divide.
(6)While most participants know substitutes like stevia and aspartame, some lack understanding, necessitating solutions that provide more choices.
(7)Many use sugar substitutes to control weight and blood sugar, motivating our efforts to create better, affordable options like D-allulose.
(8)Few respondents knew about D-allulose, and skepticism about its safety remains; we plan to host educational talks to improve public understanding.
4.1 Interview Summary 1 - Dr. Wang Xin
4.1.1 Introduction
To understand how to utilize the characteristics of Pichia pastoris as a chassis for constructing a D-allulose synthesis pathway and its potential applications in society, we interviewed Professor Wang Xin, a lecturer from the Henan University of Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology. His research in the field of biosafety and food safety is highly relevant to our study. Through this interview, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of Pichia pastoris and its applications.
Figure 17 Interview with Dr. Wang
4.1.2 Takeaways from the Interview
(1)Advantages of Pichia pastoris in Industrial Production
Professor Wang highlighted several key advantages of using Pichia pastoris as a chassis organism for cell factory applications. One major benefit is its high protein expression capacity. Compared to prokaryotic systems like Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, being a eukaryotic microorganism, is better equipped to perform post-translational modifications and ensure proper protein folding, which enhances the functionality and stability of expressed proteins.
Pichia pastoris also achieves high-density fermentation, reaching biomass densities of 400-500 grams per liter. This capability is essential for meeting the kilogram-scale production requirements of industrial processes. The high efficiency of heterologous protein expression in Pichia pastoris has been demonstrated in various applications, including recombinant collagen, antimicrobial peptides, feed additives, and heme production. The successful expression of thousands of proteins in Pichia pastoris provides valuable insights and guidance for ongoing research.
Additionally, Professor Wang suggested that exploring diverse enzyme sources, such as those from plants and other eukaryotic microorganisms, could further enhance our research advantages. The availability of classic expression vectors (e.g., PPIC9K) and various strains (e.g., GS115 and X-33) in Pichia pastoris offers robust support for our research efforts.
(2)Disadvantages of Pichia Pastoris in Industrial Production One notable disadvantage of using Pichia pastoris for protein expression is its requirement for methanol as an inducer. Methanol is classified as a hazardous chemical, necessitating stringent regulatory compliance and high operational standards, which complicate and increase the cost of the production process. Additionally, Professor Wang pointed out that the gene editing toolkit for Pichia pastoris is not as advanced or comprehensive as those available for other systems, posing challenges for efficient genetic modifications. However, these disadvantages are relatively minor compared to the advantages and can be addressed through further research and development. As a result, Pichia pastoris remains one of the most widely used hosts for heterologous enzyme and protein expression.
(3)Understand the experimental principle of Pichia pastoris in the production of D-allulose Professor Wang provided insights on how to leverage the advantages of Pichia pastoris to enhance production efficiency.
Firstly, we should test the genes encoding D-allulose 3-epimerase from various sources. Professor Wang recommended starting with a literature review to understand current sources and expression levels, as well as the chassis cells being utilized. Secondly, we need to investigate the existing market expression levels and aim to identify breakthroughs for further improvement. For example, if one source shows significant potential, we can focus our research on that source while also exploring others for a more diverse approach. Thirdly, during the construction phase, it is essential to screen for high-copy-number strains. A higher gene copy number will lead to increased target protein expression and yield.
(4)The possibility of follow-up development of the experiment
We also inquired about the potential applications and impacts of our research in bioengineering and medical engineering.
Professor Wang emphasized the inherent value of D-allulose, highlighting its benefits in terms of taste and health. He pointed out that while the product itself is promising, it is crucial to address the associated costs, including logistics, labor, and intermediary expenses. High production costs can limit customer acceptance. If the production cost is excessively high, the overall cost-effectiveness of the product is compromised. Professor Wang noted that high production costs are often due to the expensive nature of enzymes, resulting from low expression and yield levels. Therefore, if our project can enhance the expression levels, activity, and stability of the enzyme using Pichia pastoris, it could significantly reduce the production costs of D-allulose. Lower production costs would likely lead to a decrease in market prices, facilitating large-scale application and potentially revolutionizing the sugar substitute industry. In summary, Professor Wang believes our project is highly practical and holds substantial promise.
We further explored the feasibility of integrating our D-allulose production process with advanced manufacturing and automation technologies to enhance production efficiency and consistency. Professor Wang mentioned his visits to numerous companies, including major and publicly traded firms, which have adopted modular, automated systems. These companies often employ minimal staff, relying heavily on automation for tasks such as packaging and distribution. In such environments, a single person can oversee the entire process due to the extensive use of automation. For our project, the initial enzyme fermentation and catalysis stages could be centrally controlled, requiring only a few operators to manage the process through a touchscreen interface. The system utilizes electromagnetic valve controls, minimizing human intervention and thereby reducing the defect rate while increasing the yield of high-quality products.
(5)Explore the possibility of commercialization of the results of the later stage of the experiment and get suggestions on the experimental technology or process Finally, we discussed with Professor Wang the reasons why D-allulose has not achieved widespread adoption and the associated concerns regarding resource consumption and environmental pollution.
Regarding large-scale adoption, Professor Wang highlighted several consumer market challenges. Firstly, consumer preferences in the food sector need to be guided, and taste differences play a significant role. Additionally, the safety profile of D-allulose is not yet fully understood. This implies that consuming D-allulose still carries certain risks. In contrast, other products like fructose and sucrose have been widely consumed for a long time, and their safety is well-established. Most consumers are accustomed to their taste and price. Introducing a new product to replace these established ones is inherently challenging.
On the topic of environmental pollution, Professor Wang mentioned that modern factories are generally very clean. For example, he referred to BAOLINGBAO Biology, a company in Shandong. Throughout their production process, they use straightforward and clean raw materials such as coal and sugar. This suggests that contemporary production methods can be efficient and environmentally friendly, mitigating concerns about pollution.
4.1.3 Conclusion
(1)Pichia pastoris, as a eukaryotic organism, supports high protein expression, making it ideal for large-scale enzyme and protein production. Its ability to achieve high-density fermentation of several hundred grams per liter is key for commercial success. Examples like recombinant collagen in the beauty industry highlight its versatility and established applications.
(2)Using methanol as an inducer in protein expression has safety and regulatory issues. Additionally, the gene editing tools for Pichia pastoris need improvement for efficient genetic modifications.
(3)For producing D-allulose 3-epimerase, high gene copy numbers can maximize protein yield. Future efforts should focus on enhancing product value and reducing production costs to integrate D-allulose into food, biotechnology, and medical engineering. Smart manufacturing and automation can optimize production, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
(4)The commercial potential of D-allulose depends on consumer acceptance, safety, and competitive pricing with traditional sugars. Environmental impacts can be managed with modern clean production technologies, but scaling up still requires careful planning.
4.1.4 Inspiration and Suggestion
In our discussion with Professor Wang, we received valuable insights and feedback that will help us improve our experimental design and enhance research outcomes. He noted that, in addition to the GS115 strain, there are other Pichia pastoris strains with unique characteristics. Expanding our research to include these strains could optimize production efficiency and stability. Based on this advice, we plan to introduce and test additional strains, refine our gene editing tools, and explore safer inducers. We believe these improvements will enhance the potential of Pichia pastoris in industrial production, enabling us to overcome challenges and achieve our commercialization goals. Despite existing obstacles, Pichia pastoris shows significant promise as a cell factory for advancing biotechnology and industrial applications, provided that ongoing research effectively addresses technical and market challenges.
4.2 Interview with Dr. Chen Wei
4.2.1 Introduction
To better understand the potential applications of D-allulose in treating metabolic diseases and its acceptance among patients with metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, we conducted an interview with Dr. Chen Wei. Dr. Wei is the chief physician, doctoral supervisor, and postdoctoral supervisor of the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he serves as the chairman of the Nutrition and Metabolism Professional Committee of the Minimally Invasive Oncology Alliance, the chairman of the Clinical Nutrition Branch of the Chinese Nutrition Society, the vice chairman of the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and the director general of the Nutrition Physician Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association.
Figure 18 Interview with Dr. Chen Wei
4.2.2 Takeaways from the Interview
(1)Patients with metabolic diseases are the most important problems in their lives First of all, Dr. Chan raised the metabolic problem, the main concern is blood sugar first, blood lipids second, uric acid third, and blood pressure fourth. The focus of attention on sugar is mainly on diabetes, and the main concern is the increase in its glycemic index. In the past, we first used fructose as a sugar substitute instead of traditional sugar-flavored foods, but it can interfere with blood sugar and cause blood sugar to rise. Later, with the development of sugar substitutes, sugar substitutes with sweetness, small caloric content, and slow glycemic index appeared.
(2)The specific role of sugar substitutes We started with a specific discussion of D-allulose. Dr. Chan recognized that our D-allulose is sweet, has fewer calories, has nearly zero calories, and does not raise blood sugar and promote lipid metabolism. Subsequently, Mr. Chen concluded that because D-allulose is difficult to digest and absorb, cannot provide energy, and can satisfy the taste of sweet tooth lovers, it is very suitable for diabetic patients, and at the same time, it may be able to play an inhibitory role. In general, these sugar substitutes are used primarily to provide sweetness rather than energy. Dr. Chan gave the example of a hypoglycemic drug in diabetes - acarbose. We call these drugs glycosidase inhibitors. The main effect of this medicine is to delay the absorption of starch in the human body. Our D-allulose theoretically has the same effect, with the effect of reducing the body’s carbohydrate supply.
(3)In clinical practice, the application of sugar substitutes Currently, sugar substitutes are not recognized as treatment drugs or therapeutic foods for type 2 diabetes. Dr. Chen introduced us to several common medications for this condition, including sulfonylurea secretagogues, non-sulfonylurea secretagogues, metformin, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, SGLT2 inhibitors, incretin agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors. These drugs primarily function by promoting insulin secretion, inhibiting carbohydrate absorption, or enhancing insulin sensitivity; however, none currently address blood glucose fluctuations through sugar substitutes. Additionally, some medications reduce glucose levels by promoting its excretion through the kidneys. Overall, D-allulose presents advantages as a sugar substitute for people with type 2 diabetes, as it is sufficiently sweet and contains nearly no calories.
Dr. Chan also shared cases where both domestic and international researchers have demonstrated that diabetes can be reversible. The core issue in the early stages of diabetes is insulin resistance, primarily driven by lifestyle changes that lead to excess calorie storage as fat—particularly visceral fat. This visceral fat releases free fatty acids, exacerbating insulin resistance and creating a vicious cycle that contributes to the decline of pancreatic islet function and the onset of diabetes.
There is also the notion that sugar substitutes can enhance satiety in patients, potentially helping them reduce cravings for high-calorie foods. Some literature indicates that D-allulose has been tested in animal studies, showing promising hypoglycemic effects. From the perspective of type Ⅱ diabetes pathogenesis, D-allulose appears beneficial. Professionally, it has been found to effectively alleviate beta cell fibrosis, which suggests it may reduce beta cell apoptosis, enabling patients to maintain better insulin levels during the onset of the disease.
(4)The application of sugar substitutes to replace traditional sweeteners market space, demand, and future development Dr. Chen shared with us the incidence of type 2 diabetes in China. Of the 1.4 billion people in China, 10% of the population is affected by the disease, and 20% of the population is pre-diabetic. With such a huge population, the sugar substitute industry still has a great market for development. Including the demand side, our innovation leads to lower costs and selling prices than the market, which is also a competitive point to occupy the market.
4.2.3 Interview Summary
Dr. Chen pointed out that patients with metabolic diseases are mainly concerned about blood sugar, blood lipids, uric acid, and blood pressure, and the development of sugar substitutes from fructose to new sugar substitutes, such as D-allulose, which has high sweetness, few calories, nearly zero calories, does not raise blood sugar and promotes lipid metabolism, is difficult to digest and absorb, suitable for diabetic patients, and may have an inhibitory effect, which is theoretically similar to the hypoglycemic drug acarbose, which can reduce the body’s absorption of carbohydrates. Sugar substitutes are not included in drugs and foods in the treatment of type Ⅱ diabetes, and common drugs have various mechanisms of action but do not interfere with blood sugar through sugar substitutes. D-allulose has advantages in type Ⅱ diabetes, can increase satiety, animal experiments have hypoglycemic effects, can alleviate beta cell fibrosis, and reduce cell apoptosis. The incidence of type Ⅱ diabetes in China is high, and the sugar substitute industry has a great development market.
4.2.4 Inspiration and Suggestion
(1) Investigate the role of sugar substitutes in reducing the body’s absorption of carbohydrates and explore mechanisms similar to those of D-allulose, as well as the application of innovative sugar substitutes in enhancing satiety and reducing cravings for high-calorie foods.
(2) Increase research on sugar substitutes in diabetes treatment, aiming to classify them as therapeutic drugs or foods. This involves a thorough study of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of sugar substitutes like D-allulose, given the pathogenesis of type Ⅱ diabetes.
(3) Lower the innovative costs and selling prices of sugar substitutes to enhance market competitiveness and meet the needs of the majority of diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals. Strengthen animal experiments and clinical research on sugar substitutes to provide a more scientific foundation for their application.
(4) Promote the benefits of sugar substitutes for diabetic patients to improve their awareness and acceptance, thereby expanding the sugar substitute market.
4.3 Interview Summary with Mr. Zhang Andong
4.3.1 Introduction
To gain a deeper understanding and excavation of our products and technologies in marketing, commercial application, risk control, prospects, etc., to get a professional introduction and practical experience, we specially invited Mr. Zhang Andong, who has rich experience in the financial field, to conduct an interview. He has a background and extensive understanding of financial risk management, market analysis, and corporate strategy development. We hope that through our interview with him, we can more comprehensively evaluate the market potential of our product D-allulose, and help us to occupy a strong position in the market competition.
Figure 19 Interview with Mr. Zhang Andong
4.3.2 Takeaways from the Interview
(1)Understand the current promotion strategies and applications of D-allulose in the market.
(2)We began by discussing potential business models for promoting D-allulose. Mr. Zhang suggested two methods for medical promotion: direct and indirect promotion. Direct promotion involves engaging directly with national government bodies or large medical institutions, such as the National Health Commission and the Medical Insurance Bureau. Indirect promotion focuses on expanding our presence across various market platforms to reach a broader audience. For direct sales, when negotiating with pharmaceutical companies and the National Health Insurance Administration, we should highlight our advantages in terms of cost and efficacy. Given the current regulatory landscape for D-allulose in the domestic market, we can pursue both domestic and international opportunities simultaneously. Relevant approvals for food and drugs have already been applied for the domestic market, and major enterprises are positioning themselves accordingly.
(3)Explore the business models suitable for D-allulose.
(4)Regarding the sales strategy for D-allulose, Mr. Zhang recommended dividing the product into two sales units: the key account division and the non-medical insurance division. The key account division (large class B) targets enterprises funded by national medical insurance, which typically represent significant consumption and can provide a stable sales foundation. The non-medical insurance division (small class B and individual consumers) focuses on fitness enthusiasts and other consumers, broadening our sales channels and expanding our customer base. Additionally, Mr. Zhang emphasized the importance of product positioning, urging us to determine our scaling approach—whether to compete on price or on product quality.
Explore approaches for risk management and control related to D-allulose
(6)Mr. Zhang emphasized the importance of risk assessment and management in the business application of enterprises. The challenges and difficulties that need to be paid attention to for our products are as follows: Due to the recent introduction of sugar substitutes into society, their safety and reliability require further testing and experimentation. When entering into partnerships, it is essential to establish legal protection agreements and refrain from engaging in exaggerated or false advertising.
Promotional Strategy: Utilize direct promotion, such as collaboration with national medical institutions and large enterprises, as well as indirect promotion through online platforms, to ensure the widespread adoption of D-allulose in both medical and consumer markets.
Sales Strategy: Implement two sales channels - the key customer division and the non-medical insurance division - to meet the needs of large enterprises and institutions while also targeting individual consumers through diverse product positioning.
Risk Management: Strengthen legal agreements with partners to prevent false advertising, optimize production costs to comply with national medical insurance policies, and steadily expand into new markets to mitigate financial risks in a competitive environment.
Future Market Prospects: D-allulose, as a promising sugar substitute, is expected to gain a significant presence in the future market due to increasing consumer health awareness and evolving regulations. Companies should capitalize on this opportunity for long-term growth.
Link Between Cost and National Medical Insurance Policy: To align with national medical insurance standards, the product should offer cost advantages and reduced prices to enhance its accessibility.
At present, many domestic enterprises have been laying out the production of D-allulose, market competition is inevitable, and we need to master our rhythm in the market, and control the asset-liability ratio and rigid liabilities at the same time, step by step to expand our market scale.
4.3.3 Interview Summary
Mr. Zhang recommended that the marketing strategy for D-allulose should include direct collaboration with medical institutions and large enterprises, as well as indirect promotion through online platforms. The business model should be divided into key account divisions and non-medical insurance divisions to cater to large customers and individual consumers. Appropriate competitive strategies should be selected based on market positioning. To manage risks, it is important to enhance product safety verification, establish legal protection clauses to prevent false advertising, and control production costs to adhere to medical insurance policies. Despite the positive market outlook, companies should be cautious of overcapacity and price fluctuations. It's essential to maintain product quality and market competitiveness by flexibly adjusting production scale and continuously investing in research and development.
5.1 Activity Process
On August 5, 2024, we visited Bluepha to align our D-allulose production project with Sustainable Development Goals and innovative bacteria cultivation technologies. This experience provided valuable insights into integrating sustainable development concepts into production processes. We also gained an understanding of current production methods and new product models, and learned how to reduce labor and time costs while adopting sustainable practices. Bluepha, a leader in cutting-edge technologies, exemplified the incorporation of sustainability into biotechnology, enhancing our understanding and approach to environmentally friendly production.
Figure 20 Visit to Bluepha
On our immersive day-long visit to Bluepha, our team delved deep into the company's operations and innovations. The journey kicked off with a tour of the exhibition hall, which showcased Bluepha's evolution from a startup to a leader in the biomanufacturing industry. This highlighted the company's commitment to biomanufacturing technologies and sustainable development. The exhibition featured numerous advanced instruments, such as automatic nozzle insertion devices and smart robots, which have played a crucial role in the company's rapid growth and core product innovations. We gained insights into both small-scale and large-scale production techniques, including equipment and control systems at various stages by observing the fermentation processes. The tour then took us to the genetic engineering laboratory, where we witnessed demonstrations of key technologies and equipment for D-allulose synthesis. This provided us with an understanding of how Bluepha optimizes production strains through its advanced strain screening platform.
The managers shared their expertise in optimizing experimental workflows and refining business plans. They emphasized the importance of aligning product features with core offerings to build strong brand recognition. Additionally, they provided strategic insights into marketing and commercialization, highlighting the need for clear differentiation and targeted messaging. This interaction prompted a thorough reflection on our own experimental processes and commercial strategies. We realized the importance of integrating these insights into our project to enhance both our operational efficiency and market presence. This experience not only reinforced our commitment to rigorous safety standards but also inspired us to refine our business plan and marketing approach, ensuring that our product’s features are effectively communicated to build a strong, recognizable brand.
Figure 21 Interaction with managers
In essence, this visit underscored Bluepha’s dedication to advancing biomanufacturing technologies while prioritizing sustainability and safety. The insights gained, particularly in optimizing production processes and ensuring environmental protection, reinforce our commitment to integrating these principles into our projects. This experience has bolstered our resolve to pursue innovative and sustainable solutions in our field.
Figure 22 Visit to Bluepha Co., Ltd
Conclusion:
(1)From the first interview with Prof. Wang, we found out the market demand for D-allulose and the feasibility of our research proposal, so we further designed and improved our project
(2)The survey work in the community let us know what type of product people need, which gave us the idea to design the final product of our project.
(3)The interview with Dr. Chen allowed us to further expand our product from high-quality yeast to the production of D-allulose to better broaden our market.
(4)Visiting the company inspired us to have a better understanding of sustainable production as well as startup development, refining the company’s strategy and scale.