Futaste Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd is a leading Chinese biotechnology enterprise specializing in the production of sugar alcohols, rare sugars, pharmaceutical intermediates, and enzyme-based solutions. Headquartered in Yucheng, Shandong Province, China, the company is a globally recognized manufacturer with a strong presence in health food, pharmaceutical, and functional ingredient markets.
Brief History
Founded in 1991, Futaste began as a niche manufacturer of xylose and xylitol derived from corn cobs. Through sustained investment in biotechnology and green fermentation technologies, the company has grown into a vertically integrated producer with global capabilities. With more than three decades of experience, Futaste now serves over 80 countries and maintains a reputation for quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Core Business
Futaste’s core operations are centered on:
- Manufacturing sugar alcohols and rare sugars
- Producing pharmaceutical-grade intermediates
- Offering custom enzyme solutions for bioconversion
- Delivering functional sweetener systems for health-oriented foods and beverages
Their extensive capabilities in corn-based processing and fermentation provide a low-cost, sustainable production advantage.
Product and Service Offerings
Sugar Alcohols & Sweeteners
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Xylitol
- Annual capacity: 40,000 MT
- Used in chewing gum, oral care, sugar-free candies, and diabetic foods
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Maltitol
- Annual capacity: 20,000 MT
- High sweetness and low glycemic impact; used in baking and confectionery
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Erythritol
- Expanding production; widely used in clean-label formulations
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D-Xylose and L-Arabinose
- Key raw materials for downstream sugar alcohol synthesis
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High-Maltose Syrup
- Used in beverages and cereal products
Enzymes & Bioconversion Products
- Customized enzyme formulations for sugar processing and pharmaceutical synthesis
- In-house R&D for optimizing yields and reaction efficiency in biotechnological processes
Pharmaceutical Intermediates
- Corn-derived intermediates for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
- Used in anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective drug classes
Specialization and USP
Futaste is one of the world’s largest producers of xylitol and holds several patents related to sugar alcohol synthesis. The company’s unique selling propositions include:
- Full vertical integration from corncob procurement to final product
- Green enzymatic processing reducing chemical waste and emissions
- Strict quality control across HACCP, GMP, and ISO-certified systems
- Strong R&D backbone with multiple national research collaborations
Financials
- Estimated Annual Revenue: Over USD 120 million (2023)
- Export Revenue Share: Approximately 65%
- Employees: Over 1,500
- R&D Spend: Over 5% of annual revenue, with focus on biotech innovation and rare sugar development
Shipment & Trade Activity
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Exporting to over 80 countries, with strong presence in:
- North America
- European Union
- Southeast Asia
- South America
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Top export products include:
- Xylitol
- D-Xylose
- L-Arabinose
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Clients include multinational food companies, pharmaceutical firms, and nutraceutical brands
Target Market
- Health food brands producing low-sugar and diabetic-friendly products
- Oral care companies formulating tooth-friendly sweeteners
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking plant-derived intermediates
- Functional beverage companies focused on clean-label sugar alternatives
Capabilities
- State-of-the-art fermentation plants in Shandong with full automation
- In-house engineering and biotech teams with over 200 technical personnel
- Global logistics and distribution network with export-ready certification
- Capacity to customize particle size, moisture content, and blending specifications
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management)
- GMP Certified Facilities
- Halal Certified
- Kosher Certified
- Compliant with FDA GRAS notifications, EU food additive regulations, and China GB Standards
Customer Testimonials
"Futaste’s xylitol has been integral to our sugar-free gum line for over 5 years. Consistent quality, reliable logistics, and good technical support."
— Procurement Manager, Confectionery Brand, USA
"Their maltitol and erythritol blends helped us achieve a 60% sugar reduction in our product range without sacrificing taste."
— R&D Lead, Functional Food Startup, Germany
Major Achievements
- Recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise of China
- Awarded the China Patent Excellence Award for rare sugar synthesis process
- Hosted the National Functional Sugar Research Center
- Registered and exporting under FDA, EFSA, FSSAI, and Japanese Ministry of Health
- Regular exhibitor at Fi China, CPHI Worldwide, and Gulfood Manufacturing
