26 May 2016 – Evolva (SIX: EVE) announces that the European Patent Office has granted the Company patent number 2742142, intellectual property pivotal to the commercial expansion of and broader access to the best-tasting stevia-sweeteners made possible through the introduction of yeast fermentation-derived steviol glycosides.

At the heart of this enabling IP lies a novel technique for converting rebaudioside A (Reb A) to the best tasting, and as a result most commercially relevant, rebaudioside D (Reb D) and rebaudioside M (Reb M) ingredients through fermentation.

Evolva was the first company to discover the enzymes capable of carrying out the key unknown steps in the Reb A and Reb D biosynthesis pathways. This discovery enables the production of these steviol glycosides through bioprocessing, solving the taste and cost conundrum of stevia sweeteners that has limited their broader commercial use.

Evolva currently has 54 patents pending around the world related to yeast fermentation-derived steviol glycosides. With the addition of this most recent patent, Evolva now has four commercially relevant stevia sweetener patents granted.

- ends -

About Evolva

Evolva is a pioneer and global leader in sustainable, fermentation-based approaches to ingredients for health, wellness and nutrition. Evolva’s products include stevia, resveratrol, vanillin, nootkatone and saffron. As well as developing its own proprietary ingredients, Evolva also deploys its technology for partners, providing them with a competitive edge and sharing in the returns they make. For more information see www.evolva.com. Questions about our fermentation approach? Have a look at our video.

Contact Details

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.