NutraSweet is engaging in exploratory talks with potential partners in China and India regarding the possibility of manufacturing sucralose, the artificial sweetener better known as Splenda.
Tate & Lyle, the manufacturers of Splenda, have so far maintained a monopoly over sucralose with strict patents on the production process, resulting in a supply currently less than the demand. NutraSweet, however, is investigating ways to produce sucralose without infringing on the patents.
Tate & Lyle have stated that they believe they have patented every viable way of producing sucralose through 2020.
Tate & Lyle plans to triple sucralose output by 2007, by expanding their Alabama plant and constructing a new facility in Singapore.