Futaste Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (山东福田药业有限公司), based in Dezhou, Shandong Province, China, is a globally recognized biotechnology and pharmaceutical enterprise specializing in the production of functional sugars and sugar alcohols. As a core subsidiary of the Futaste Group, the company is a leading supplier of xylitol, maltitol, and other polyols to the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries worldwide.
Company Overview
Founded in the early 1990s, Futaste Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has grown into a vertically integrated manufacturer with operations encompassing raw material sourcing, biotechnological processing, chemical synthesis, and global distribution. The company has established itself as one of the largest producers of xylitol in the world, with a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Futaste's operations are backed by advanced manufacturing lines, modern R&D centers, and a strict quality assurance framework. Its production facilities are strategically located in the Economic Development Zone of Yucheng, Dezhou, enabling access to high-quality agricultural feedstocks and efficient logistics.
Product Portfolio
Futaste focuses on a range of functional sweeteners and sugar alcohols used across a variety of applications:
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Xylitol:
- Natural sweetener derived from corn cobs and other agricultural biomass
- Applications: Chewing gum, toothpaste, diabetic-friendly foods
- Global capacity: Over 60,000 metric tons/year
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Sorbitol:
- Sugar alcohol used as a humectant and sweetener
- Available in both liquid and crystalline forms
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Maltitol:
- Used in sugar-free confectionery and baked goods
- Excellent thermal stability and low glycemic index
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D-Xylose:
- Natural monosaccharide used as a precursor to xylitol
- Often used in meat flavor enhancers and Maillard reaction systems
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L-Arabinose:
- A functional sugar with prebiotic and anti-sucrose effects
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Erythritol:
- Zero-calorie sweetener used in beverages and keto products
All products are manufactured in compliance with international food safety and pharmaceutical standards, ensuring suitability for global markets.
Certifications and Quality Systems
Futaste Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is certified under multiple international standards:
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System
- FSSC 22000, GMP, and HACCP
- Halal and Kosher certified products for religious markets
The company also complies with USP, EP, and FCC specifications for pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.
Production and Technical Capabilities
- Proprietary fermentation and hydrogenation technologies
- In-house R&D institute with over 100 engineers and scientists
- Pilot-scale and commercial-scale production flexibility
- Dedicated facilities for pharmaceutical excipients and food-grade ingredients
- Advanced quality control lab equipped with HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP-OES systems
Market Reach and Export Data
Futaste Pharmaceutical exports to over 60 countries, serving multinational food and pharma clients across:
- North America (USA, Canada)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands)
- Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, India)
- South America and Africa
According to international trade data (e.g., Volza and Panjiva):
- Futaste has shipped over 1,000 international consignments from 2020 to 2023
- Xylitol accounts for more than 60% of export volume
- Key buyers include global brands in chewing gum, sugar-free confectionery, and oral care industries
In 2022, the company recorded an estimated export value exceeding USD 80 million, with sustained growth driven by global demand for healthier sugar alternatives.
Strategic Positioning and Strengths
Futaste’s competitive advantages include:
- One of the top 3 xylitol manufacturers globally
- Integration from corn cob raw material to final product
- Strong commitment to green chemistry and circular economy practices
- Rapid innovation cycle with dozens of national patents in sugar biotechnology
The company’s collaboration with Chinese academic institutions and international food science organizations further strengthens its technical credibility and market insight.
Target Markets and Applications
Futaste’s ingredients are used in:
- Functional foods and dietary supplements
- Sugar-free and low-calorie confectionery
- Dental and oral health products
- Pharmaceutical excipients and syrups
- Beverages and personal care formulations
The company is particularly well-positioned to serve markets with increasing demand for natural, clean-label, and diabetic-friendly ingredients.
Industry Recognition and Achievements
- Awarded “National High-Tech Enterprise” designation
- Recognized as one of China’s Top 100 Food Additive Enterprises
- Products listed and audited by global ingredient platforms such as Alibaba, Made-in-China, and TradeIndia
- Received export excellence awards from regional trade councils
Through decades of focused expertise, Futaste Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has become a globally respected supplier of functional sweeteners, combining scale, innovation, and quality to meet the evolving needs of the food and health industries.
