7:00 am Registration & Morning Coffee
8:00 am Workshop B: Reformulating for Clean Label Sugar Reduction: Practical Guidance on Replacing Artificial Sweeteners with Natural Alternatives
Synopsis
See Full Event Guide for more info.
10:10 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Navigating Evolving Regulations & Policy to Accelerate Low Sugar F&B Adoption
10:15 am Tagatose on Trial: Inside the Legal and Regulatory Battle to Clarify “No Added Sugar”
Synopsis
- Hear why the FDA initially denied Tagatose an exemption from “added sugars” labeling, and how Bonumose challenged the FDA in court
- Explore how the successful lawsuit vacated the FDA’s 2022 decision and forced a reassessment of Tagatose’s status
- Gain insight into the strategic legal framing that shaped the outcome, the 6 years of FDA struggles preceding the court decision, and what this case means for other ingredients
10:45 am What Policies Actually Work to Drive Sugar Reduction in Food and Beverage?
Synopsis
- Compare regulatory and policy approaches such as sugar taxes, front-of-pack warnings, and marketing restrictions
- Assess which policies led to meaningful reformulation efforts or shifts in consumer behavior
- Understand what lessons can be learned to guide future policy design and industry adaptation
11:15 am Morning Networking Break
Synopsis
Meet and connect with your peers in this dedicated networking session
12:00 pm Roundtable: Safeguarding the Future of Sugar Reduction Ingredients
Synopsis
As the industry faces mounting challenges to its sugar reduction toolkit – ranging from consumer skepticism toward artificial sweeteners, rising tariffs on sugar alternatives sourced from China, to potential reforms of the Self-GRAS process – formulators are under pressure to adapt. This session will explore how the industry can respond to these pressures while maintaining access to effective, science-backed solutions.
Join peers from across the sector to discuss:
- The impact of potential Self-GRAS changes on the development and approval of novel ingredients
- Strategies to proactively address misinformation and rebuild consumer trust in sugar reduction tools
- How ingredient restrictions could shape formulation strategies and the availability of healthier products
12:45 pm Is Erythritol Still Safe? Reviewing the Data Behind the Cardiovascular Health Debate
Synopsis
- Examine emerging data and statistical concerns around erythritol studies
- Discuss biochemical pathways to contextualize observed effects
- Provide actionable guidance for brands evaluating erythritol use
1:15 pm Lunch Break
Synopsis
Take this chance to meet the expert speakers, connect with your peers and explore our exhibition booths
2:15 pm Sugar Reduction in Dairy Without Compromising Nutrient Density or Taste
Synopsis
- Clarify why monk fruit extracts remain unapproved in the EU and UK despite growing global use
- Explore the evolving regulatory pathway for decoctions and future approval prospects
- Assess market demand signals and commercial opportunities for early movers
Advancing In Process Sugar Reduction to Build Cleaner-Label Products
2:45 pm Sugar Reduction in Dairy Without Compromising Nutrient Density or Taste
Synopsis
- Explore approaches to reduce sugar content and add fruit nutrition in yogurt, ice cream, and dairy beverages
- Address challenges in managing pH, mouthfeel, and protein stability during reformulation
3:15 pm Positioning Enzymatically Reduced Juices for Market Success Through Labeling, Education, and Policy Change
Synopsis
- Review current regulatory frameworks and safety evaluations for enzymatic bioconversion of sugars to FOS
- Explore labeling pathways including clean label positioning, fiber enrichment claims, and the distinction between sugar reduction and sweetening
- Identify opportunities to improve consumer education, reduce regulatory friction, and accelerate market penetration for reduced-sugar beverages