Unlocking the Future of Rare Sugar Production: How Glucose Isomerase Enzyme Catalysis is Transforming the Industry in 2025 and Beyond. Explore the Breakthroughs, Market Growth, and Strategic Opportunities Shaping the Next Era.

• Executive Summary: 2025 Market Snapshot & Key Insights
• Glucose Isomerase Enzyme Technology: Mechanisms and Innovations
• Rare Sugar Applications: Food, Pharma, and Beyond
• Global Market Size, Segmentation, and 2025–2029 Growth Forecasts
• Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies and Strategic Moves
• Regulatory Environment and Industry Standards
• Supply Chain Dynamics and Raw Material Sourcing
• Emerging Trends: Bioprocess Optimization and Green Catalysis
• Challenges, Risks, and Barriers to Adoption
• Future Outlook: Investment Opportunities and Strategic Recommendations
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: 2025 Market Snapshot & Key Insights

The global market for glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis, particularly in the context of rare sugar production, is poised for significant growth in 2025. Glucose isomerase, a key biocatalyst, enables the efficient conversion of glucose to fructose and other rare sugars, underpinning the production of high-fructose syrups and specialty sweeteners. The demand for rare sugars such as allulose, tagatose, and psicose is accelerating, driven by consumer preferences for low-calorie, low-glycemic sweeteners and the food and beverage industry’s shift toward healthier product formulations.

In 2025, the adoption of advanced glucose isomerase enzymes is being led by major enzyme manufacturers and ingredient suppliers. Companies such as Novozymes, a global leader in industrial biotechnology, and DuPont (now part of IFF), are at the forefront, offering tailored enzyme solutions for rare sugar production. Genencor (a division of IFF) and EnzymeTech are also recognized for their innovations in enzyme engineering, improving catalytic efficiency, thermostability, and substrate specificity to optimize rare sugar yields.

Recent years have seen a surge in patent filings and process optimizations, with enzyme immobilization and continuous flow reactors gaining traction for industrial-scale rare sugar synthesis. The integration of glucose isomerase with downstream purification technologies is enabling cost-effective, high-purity production, meeting the stringent requirements of food, beverage, and nutraceutical applications. Notably, Novozymes and DuPont have reported collaborations with major food manufacturers to scale up rare sugar production, reflecting a robust pipeline of commercial projects entering the market in 2025.

Regulatory approvals for rare sugars such as allulose in key markets—including the United States, Japan, and parts of Europe—are further catalyzing demand. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recognition of allulose as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) has spurred investment in enzyme-based production platforms. Industry bodies such as the International Food Information Service are tracking the rapid expansion of rare sugar applications in functional foods and beverages.

Looking ahead, the glucose isomerase catalysis sector is expected to benefit from ongoing R&D in enzyme engineering, process intensification, and regulatory harmonization. The competitive landscape in 2025 is characterized by strategic partnerships, technology licensing, and vertical integration, as leading enzyme producers and ingredient companies position themselves to capture the growing rare sugar market.

Glucose Isomerase Enzyme Technology: Mechanisms and Innovations

Glucose isomerase (GI) is a pivotal enzyme in the biocatalytic conversion of glucose to fructose, and its application has expanded in recent years to the production of rare sugars such as allulose (D-psicose) and tagatose. The enzyme catalyzes the reversible isomerization of D-glucose to D-fructose, a reaction that underpins the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) industry and, increasingly, the rare sugar sector. As of 2025, the demand for rare sugars is accelerating, driven by their low-calorie profiles and functional benefits in food and beverage formulations.

Recent technological advances have focused on improving the catalytic efficiency, substrate specificity, and operational stability of GI enzymes. Leading enzyme manufacturers such as Novozymes and DuPont (now part of IFF) have developed proprietary strains of Streptomyces and Bacillus species that express high-activity GI, tailored for industrial-scale bioreactors. These innovations enable higher conversion rates at lower temperatures and pH ranges, reducing energy consumption and broadening the substrate scope to include alternative feedstocks like starch hydrolysates and agricultural byproducts.

A significant breakthrough in the past two years has been the engineering of GI variants with enhanced selectivity for rare sugar production. For example, the enzymatic pathway for allulose production typically involves a two-step process: first, GI converts glucose to fructose, followed by a D-psicose 3-epimerase that transforms fructose to allulose. However, recent research collaborations between enzyme suppliers and food ingredient companies have yielded GI mutants capable of directly isomerizing glucose to rare sugars with improved yields, streamlining the process and reducing costs.

Industrial-scale adoption is evident in the operations of companies like CJ CheilJedang and Tate & Lyle, both of which have invested in advanced GI-based bioprocesses for rare sugar production. CJ CheilJedang has commercialized allulose and tagatose using proprietary enzyme technology, while Tate & Lyle has expanded its rare sugar portfolio through partnerships and in-house R&D.

Looking ahead to the next few years, the outlook for GI enzyme catalysis in rare sugar production is robust. Ongoing innovations in enzyme engineering, process intensification, and bioreactor design are expected to further lower production costs and improve sustainability. The integration of continuous processing and immobilized enzyme systems is also anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and product purity, supporting the growing market for rare sugars in health-conscious and functional food applications.

Rare Sugar Applications: Food, Pharma, and Beyond

Glucose isomerase (GI) enzyme catalysis remains a cornerstone technology for the industrial production of rare sugars, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. As of 2025, the enzyme’s primary application is the conversion of glucose to fructose, a process foundational to the manufacture of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). However, recent advances have expanded its utility to the synthesis of other rare sugars, such as allulose (D-psicose) and tagatose, which are gaining traction due to their low-calorie profiles and functional benefits.

Major enzyme manufacturers, including Novozymes and DuPont (now part of IFF), have developed robust GI enzyme formulations tailored for high-efficiency, continuous production systems. These enzymes are often immobilized to enhance operational stability and reusability, which is critical for large-scale, cost-effective rare sugar production. Novozymes offers a portfolio of glucose isomerase products optimized for various substrate concentrations and process conditions, supporting both traditional HFCS and emerging rare sugar applications.

The demand for rare sugars such as allulose is accelerating, driven by regulatory approvals and consumer interest in healthier sweeteners. In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exempted allulose from total and added sugar labeling, catalyzing investment in enzymatic production technologies. Companies like CJ CheilJedang and Tate & Lyle have scaled up production using proprietary GI-based processes, with Tate & Lyle launching allulose ingredients for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

In the pharmaceutical sector, rare sugars produced via GI catalysis are being explored as excipients and active ingredients due to their prebiotic effects and low glycemic impact. The precision and selectivity of GI enzymes enable the production of high-purity rare sugars, meeting stringent quality requirements for pharma applications. Companies such as Samyang Corporation are actively developing rare sugar-based formulations for nutraceutical and medical uses.

Looking ahead, ongoing research focuses on engineering GI enzymes with enhanced activity for non-glucose substrates, broadening the spectrum of accessible rare sugars. The integration of GI catalysis with biorefinery concepts and continuous processing is expected to further reduce costs and environmental impact. As regulatory frameworks evolve and consumer demand for functional sweeteners grows, GI enzyme catalysis is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the sustainable production of rare sugars across food, pharma, and beyond.

Global Market Size, Segmentation, and 2025–2029 Growth Forecasts

The global market for glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis, particularly as it applies to rare sugar production, is poised for robust growth from 2025 through 2029. Glucose isomerase, also known as xylose isomerase, is a key biocatalyst in the industrial conversion of glucose to fructose and other rare sugars, which are increasingly in demand for their applications in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The market is segmented by enzyme source (microbial, recombinant), form (liquid, immobilized), application (high-fructose syrups, rare sugars like allulose and tagatose), and end-use industry.

In 2025, the global market size for glucose isomerase enzymes dedicated to rare sugar production is estimated to be in the range of several hundred million USD, with Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe as the leading regions. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China and Japan, is expected to maintain dominance due to the presence of major enzyme manufacturers and a rapidly expanding food processing sector. North America, particularly the United States, is also a significant market, driven by consumer demand for low-calorie sweeteners and functional foods.

Key industry players include Novozymes, a global leader in industrial enzymes, which offers glucose isomerase products tailored for high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and rare sugar production. DuPont (now part of IFF) and Amano Enzyme are also prominent, with extensive portfolios in food-grade isomerases. Sunson Industry Group and Jiangsu Boli Bioproducts are notable Chinese manufacturers supplying both domestic and international markets.

Segmentation by application shows that while HFCS remains the largest segment, the fastest growth is projected in rare sugars such as allulose and tagatose. These sugars are gaining regulatory approvals and market traction as low-calorie, low-glycemic alternatives to traditional sweeteners. The adoption of immobilized enzyme systems is also rising, as they offer improved operational stability and cost-effectiveness for continuous production processes.

From 2025 to 2029, the glucose isomerase market for rare sugar production is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the high single digits, driven by technological advancements, expanding food and beverage applications, and increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness. Strategic investments in enzyme innovation and bioprocess optimization by leading companies are expected to further accelerate market expansion. The outlook remains positive, with ongoing collaborations between enzyme producers and food manufacturers to develop next-generation rare sugar products.

Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies and Strategic Moves

The competitive landscape for glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis in rare sugar production is rapidly evolving in 2025, driven by increasing demand for low-calorie sweeteners and functional sugars in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. The market is characterized by the presence of established enzyme manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and biotechnology innovators, each leveraging proprietary strains, process optimizations, and strategic partnerships to secure market share.

Among the global leaders, Novozymes stands out as a dominant force, offering a portfolio of glucose isomerase enzymes tailored for high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and rare sugar production. The company’s continuous investment in strain improvement and enzyme engineering has enabled higher conversion efficiencies and operational stability, supporting the cost-effective manufacture of rare sugars such as allulose and tagatose. Novozymes has also expanded collaborations with food and beverage multinationals to accelerate the adoption of rare sugars in mainstream products.

DuPont (now part of IFF) is another key player, with its Danisco® range of glucose isomerase enzymes widely used in industrial-scale isomerization processes. The company’s focus on enzyme immobilization technologies and process integration has resulted in robust, reusable biocatalysts that reduce production costs and environmental impact. DuPont continues to invest in R&D for next-generation enzymes with improved specificity for rare sugar synthesis.

Asian manufacturers, particularly Shin Nihon Chemical and Nagase & Co., Ltd., are increasingly influential, supplying glucose isomerase enzymes and turnkey process solutions to the rapidly growing rare sugar markets in Japan, South Korea, and China. These companies are recognized for their expertise in immobilized enzyme systems and have established partnerships with regional food ingredient producers to scale up rare sugar production.

Emerging biotechnology firms are also shaping the competitive landscape. Companies such as CJ CheilJedang are leveraging synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to develop customized microbial strains for efficient rare sugar biosynthesis, aiming to disrupt traditional enzymatic processes with more sustainable and scalable alternatives.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see intensified competition as companies race to patent novel enzyme variants, optimize process economics, and secure regulatory approvals for new rare sugar ingredients. Strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and joint ventures are likely to proliferate, particularly as global consumer brands seek reliable supply chains for rare sugars. The sector’s trajectory will be shaped by ongoing innovation in enzyme technology, process integration, and the ability of leading players to meet the evolving needs of the food and health industries.

Regulatory Environment and Industry Standards

The regulatory environment for glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis in rare sugar production is evolving rapidly as demand for rare sugars such as allulose, tagatose, and psicose increases. In 2025, regulatory agencies across major markets are focusing on both the safety of enzyme preparations and the quality of the resulting rare sugars, with particular attention to food-grade enzyme sources, process controls, and labeling requirements.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to regulate glucose isomerase as a food processing aid, requiring that enzyme preparations used in rare sugar production meet the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) standard. Enzyme manufacturers must demonstrate that their products are derived from non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic microbial strains, and that the final enzyme preparation is free from harmful contaminants. The FDA has also issued guidance on the labeling of rare sugars such as allulose, which is exempt from total and added sugar counts on Nutrition Facts labels, further incentivizing its production via enzymatic catalysis.

In the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates the safety of both the enzyme and the rare sugar product. Enzyme producers must submit detailed dossiers on the production organism, manufacturing process, and toxicological data. The EU’s Novel Food Regulation applies to rare sugars not widely consumed before 1997, requiring pre-market authorization and safety assessment. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is also working on harmonizing analytical methods for rare sugar purity and enzyme activity, which will impact industry standards in the coming years.

Industry standards are being shaped by leading enzyme manufacturers such as Novozymes, DuPont (now part of IFF), and Amano Enzyme. These companies are actively involved in setting benchmarks for enzyme purity, activity, and process validation. For example, Novozymes offers glucose isomerase products that comply with international food safety standards and are supported by comprehensive technical documentation for regulatory submissions. Amano Enzyme emphasizes compliance with global food safety certifications such as FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000, which are increasingly required by food manufacturers and retailers.

Looking ahead, the regulatory landscape is expected to become more harmonized, with international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission likely to play a greater role in standardizing definitions, safety assessments, and labeling for rare sugars produced via glucose isomerase catalysis. This will facilitate global trade and support the expansion of rare sugar applications in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Supply Chain Dynamics and Raw Material Sourcing

The supply chain dynamics and raw material sourcing for glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis in rare sugar production are undergoing significant transformation as the global demand for rare sugars such as allulose, tagatose, and psicose accelerates into 2025. The core of this supply chain revolves around the procurement of high-purity glucose or starch feedstocks, the sourcing and production of robust glucose isomerase enzymes, and the integration of these components into scalable bioprocessing systems.

Major enzyme manufacturers, including Novozymes and DuPont (now part of IFF), continue to dominate the supply of industrial glucose isomerase, offering both free and immobilized enzyme formats tailored for continuous processing. These companies have invested in optimizing enzyme yields and stability, with a focus on non-GMO and food-grade certifications to meet regulatory and consumer requirements. Novozymes, for example, has expanded its enzyme portfolio to support rare sugar production, leveraging proprietary strains and fermentation technologies to ensure consistent supply and performance.

Raw material sourcing is increasingly influenced by the availability and price volatility of starch-rich crops such as corn, wheat, and cassava. North America remains a primary source of corn-derived glucose, while Asia-Pacific, particularly China and Thailand, is notable for cassava-based glucose production. The diversification of feedstock sources is a strategic priority for rare sugar producers, aiming to mitigate risks associated with crop failures, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating commodity prices. Companies are also exploring upcycling of agricultural byproducts and non-food biomass as alternative feedstocks, aligning with sustainability goals and circular economy principles.

Supply chain resilience is further enhanced by the adoption of integrated bioprocessing facilities, where enzyme production and rare sugar synthesis are co-located to reduce logistics costs and improve traceability. Leading rare sugar manufacturers, such as Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and CJ CheilJedang, have established vertically integrated operations, securing long-term contracts with starch suppliers and investing in in-house enzyme production capabilities. This approach not only ensures a stable supply of critical inputs but also enables rapid adaptation to shifts in market demand and regulatory landscapes.

Looking ahead to the next few years, the supply chain for glucose isomerase-catalyzed rare sugar production is expected to become more regionalized and digitized. Blockchain-based traceability, real-time supply chain monitoring, and AI-driven demand forecasting are being piloted to enhance transparency and responsiveness. As the rare sugar market matures, strategic partnerships between enzyme producers, raw material suppliers, and end-users will be crucial in maintaining supply security and driving innovation in sustainable sourcing.

Emerging Trends: Bioprocess Optimization and Green Catalysis

The landscape of rare sugar production is rapidly evolving, with glucose isomerase (GI) enzyme catalysis at the forefront of bioprocess optimization and green catalysis trends in 2025. GI, traditionally used for high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) production, is now being repurposed and engineered for the synthesis of rare sugars such as allulose (D-psicose), tagatose, and others, which are gaining traction as low-calorie sweeteners and functional food ingredients.

Recent years have seen a surge in the development of robust, high-activity GI variants through protein engineering and directed evolution. These efforts aim to enhance enzyme stability, broaden substrate specificity, and improve catalytic efficiency under industrial conditions. For instance, companies like Novozymes and DuPont (now part of IFF) are actively advancing enzyme formulations tailored for rare sugar production, focusing on process intensification and cost reduction.

A key trend in 2025 is the integration of GI catalysis into continuous bioprocessing platforms. Immobilized enzyme reactors, which allow for prolonged operational stability and enzyme reuse, are being adopted by leading ingredient manufacturers. CJ CheilJedang and Tate & Lyle have both invested in large-scale, immobilized GI systems for the commercial production of allulose and other rare sugars, leveraging advances in carrier materials and reactor design to maximize throughput and minimize waste.

Sustainability is a driving force behind these innovations. The use of GI enables mild reaction conditions, reducing energy consumption and the need for harsh chemicals compared to traditional chemical synthesis routes. Companies are also exploring the use of renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural byproducts, to further green their processes. Samyang Corporation and Matsutani Chemical Industry are notable for their efforts in integrating circular economy principles into rare sugar production, including valorization of side streams and water recycling.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to bring further improvements in enzyme performance, process integration, and regulatory acceptance of rare sugars. The expansion of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for novel rare sugars in major markets is anticipated to accelerate commercialization. As consumer demand for healthier sweeteners grows, GI-catalyzed bioprocesses are poised to play a central role in the sustainable production of next-generation sugar alternatives.

Challenges, Risks, and Barriers to Adoption

The adoption of glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis for rare sugar production faces several challenges, risks, and barriers as the industry moves into 2025 and beyond. While the enzymatic conversion of glucose to fructose and other rare sugars is well-established, scaling these processes for broader rare sugar applications—such as allulose, tagatose, and psicose—presents both technical and commercial hurdles.

• Enzyme Performance and Specificity: One of the primary technical challenges is the need for glucose isomerase variants with high specificity and activity toward non-traditional substrates. Most commercial enzymes are optimized for high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) production, not for rare sugars. Engineering enzymes for higher yield, stability, and selectivity remains a significant R&D focus, with companies like Novozymes and DuPont (now part of IFF) investing in protein engineering and directed evolution. However, the development and regulatory approval of new enzyme variants can be time-consuming and costly.
• Feedstock and Process Integration: The cost and availability of suitable feedstocks (e.g., glucose syrups of sufficient purity) can limit the economic viability of rare sugar production. Impurities in feedstocks can inhibit enzyme activity or require additional purification steps, increasing operational costs. Integrating glucose isomerase catalysis into existing sugar processing lines also demands capital investment and process optimization, which can be a barrier for smaller manufacturers.
• Regulatory and Safety Concerns: Rare sugars such as allulose and tagatose are subject to evolving regulatory frameworks regarding food safety, labeling, and novel food status. For example, while allulose has gained GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the US, its approval status varies globally, complicating market access. Enzyme manufacturers must also ensure that their products meet food-grade standards and are free from allergens or contaminants, as required by authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority.
• Cost Competitiveness: The production cost of rare sugars via enzymatic catalysis remains higher than that of conventional sweeteners. This is due to enzyme costs, lower conversion yields, and downstream purification requirements. Companies like CJ CheilJedang and Tate & Lyle are working to improve process economics, but price parity with traditional sugars is not expected in the immediate future.
• Intellectual Property and Licensing: The field is characterized by a dense landscape of patents covering enzyme variants, production methods, and applications. Navigating IP rights and securing licenses can be complex and may deter new entrants or limit technology transfer, especially in regions with less robust IP enforcement.

Looking ahead, overcoming these barriers will require continued innovation in enzyme engineering, process integration, and regulatory harmonization. Strategic partnerships between enzyme developers, ingredient manufacturers, and food companies are likely to accelerate adoption, but widespread use of glucose isomerase for rare sugar production will depend on achieving both technical breakthroughs and cost reductions in the coming years.

Future Outlook: Investment Opportunities and Strategic Recommendations

The future outlook for investment in glucose isomerase enzyme catalysis for rare sugar production is highly promising, driven by increasing demand for low-calorie sweeteners, functional foods, and specialty ingredients. As of 2025, the rare sugar market—particularly for allulose, tagatose, and other functional monosaccharides—is experiencing robust growth, with food and beverage manufacturers seeking alternatives to traditional sugars to meet consumer health trends and regulatory pressures.

Key enzyme manufacturers such as Novozymes, DuPont (now part of IFF), and Amano Enzyme are actively expanding their portfolios to include advanced glucose isomerase formulations tailored for rare sugar synthesis. These companies are investing in enzyme engineering to improve catalytic efficiency, thermostability, and substrate specificity, which are critical for cost-effective, high-yield production processes. For example, Novozymes has highlighted the role of enzyme innovation in enabling sustainable sweetener production, while DuPont (IFF) continues to develop biocatalysts for industrial-scale applications.

Strategically, investors should consider opportunities in both upstream (enzyme development and manufacturing) and downstream (rare sugar production and formulation) segments. Partnerships between enzyme suppliers and food ingredient companies are expected to intensify, as seen in recent collaborations aimed at scaling up allulose and tagatose production. Companies with proprietary enzyme strains or immobilization technologies—such as Amano Enzyme—are well-positioned to capture value as process efficiency becomes a key differentiator.

Geographically, North America and East Asia are leading in rare sugar commercialization, with regulatory approvals for allulose and tagatose already in place in the US, Japan, and South Korea. This regulatory clarity reduces market entry risk and supports investment in new production facilities. Additionally, the expansion of rare sugar applications beyond sweeteners—such as in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals—offers further growth potential.

Looking ahead to the next few years, strategic recommendations for stakeholders include:

• Investing in R&D for next-generation glucose isomerase enzymes with enhanced performance metrics.
• Forming joint ventures or licensing agreements with established enzyme manufacturers like Novozymes and DuPont (IFF) to accelerate market access.
• Targeting markets with favorable regulatory environments and established demand for rare sugars.
• Exploring vertical integration to control both enzyme supply and rare sugar production, optimizing margins and supply chain resilience.

In summary, the convergence of technological innovation, regulatory support, and consumer demand positions glucose isomerase catalysis as a focal point for investment in the rare sugar sector through 2025 and beyond.

Sources & References

• DuPont
• International Food Information Service
• Tate & Lyle
• Nagase & Co., Ltd.
• Amano Enzyme
• CJ CheilJedang
• European Food Safety Authority