While the UK has the largest sales volume in Europe for low calorie carbonates - over a third of UK carbonates are low calorie, and over 60% of all UK soft drinks are either low calorie or no added sugar - our acceptance of sweeteners does not extend to the candy market.

Distributor Kaylu is making natural organic sweetener Agave Nectar available in the UK in bulk sizes.

Ingredients firm Wild has launched a clear fruit juice concept called Refresher using Fruit Up, a natural fruit sweetener with a low glycaemic index.

Trials, conducted for Nutrinova by Lintech RSSL, show that sweetener blends can be used to totally or partially replace sugar and therefore reduce calorie levels while maintaining flavour.

Chocolate and cocoa product manufacturer Barry Callebaut has received the 'Happy Tooth' endorsement from dental experts at he Toothfriendly International organisation for its new non-laxative chocolate.