Sensus

What Sensus does

Sensus B.V., headquartered in Roosendaal, Netherlands, is a Dutch producer of chicory root fiber ingredients (inulin and oligofructose) sold globally under the Frutafit® and Frutalose® brands. Established in 1991, Sensus operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Cosun, an agro-industrial cooperative of approximately 8,100 Dutch sugar beet growers that has been processing members' crops since 1899. The company serves food, beverage, dietary supplement, and sports nutrition manufacturers that use its ingredients for fiber enrichment, sugar reduction (substituting up to 60% of sugar's sweetness depending on grade), fat replacement, texturizing, and prebiotic functionality, with branded anchor customers including innocent drinks, Kellogg's, Bolletje, Sonneveld Group, and enterprise distribution partners such as Brenntag USA and DKSH Thailand.

Sensus's core technology is hot-water extraction of inulin and oligofructose from the chicory root (Chicorium intybus), producing natural soluble dietary fibers verified as natural under ISO 19657:2017 — a status the company asserts makes its chicory root fiber the only dietary fiber globally carrying this verification. The company holds an EU-approved blood glucose health claim for chicory inulin (2016) and a Thai FDA-approved bifidogenic health claim obtained in cooperation with DKSH Thailand. Manufacturing occurs at two Dutch facilities (Roosendaal and Zwolle), with significant capacity expansions under Royal Cosun's Unlock 25 strategic framework bringing additional output online from 2022 onward. Sensus maintains a deep scientific research network, with active collaborations including a four-year human gut-fermentation study launched in 2025 with Maastricht University, UMC Groningen, Wageningen University, and Maastricht Instruments using novel real-time breath measurement technology; the CarboKinetics public-private partnership (with DSM, Novo Nordisk, and the Carbohydrate Competence Center); the EU CHIC project on CRISPR-Cas chicory breeding; and the Wageningen-led Vezel-UP personalized nutrition study (winner of the 2021 James Lind Prize).

Sensus operates a two-tier B2B go-to-market model: direct enterprise sales via three regional offices (Roosendaal for Europe/LATAM, Lawrenceville, NJ for North America, and Kuala Lumpur for Asia-Pacific) combined with a network of specialized food-ingredient distributors spanning more than 45 countries. Marketing combines participation in major food ingredient trade shows (Vitafoods, Food Ingredients Europe/Asia, Supply Side West, IFT, SCIFT), scientific publications, consumer research dissemination, and active engagement through CEFI (the European Chicory Inulin Producers trade body, which joined the International Probiotic Association in October 2025). The customer base is diversified across food and beverage manufacturers (primary segment), sports and active nutrition brands, and nutraceutical companies, with EcoVadis Gold certification achieved in four consecutive years (2019–2022) placing Sensus in the top 5% of assessed companies globally.

Name

Sensus

Legal name

Sensus B.V.

Website

https://inspiredbyinulin.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sensus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Cosun, is a Dutch producer of chicory root fiber ingredients (Frutafit inulin and Frutalose oligofructose) supplying food, beverage, and nutraceutical manufacturers globally via B2B sales across more than 45 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Ingredients (Chicory Root Fiber)

NAICS

Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)

akta.pro primary industry

Prebiotics & Dietary Fibers (Inulin, FOS/GOS, Resistant Starch, Beta-Glucan, Psyllium) (AFAJAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fiber & Inulin Texturizers (Soluble Fibers, Inulin/Oligofructose) (AFAJAMAI)

Keywords

• Chicory root fiber
• Prebiotic ingredients
• Dietary fiber supply
• Sugar reduction solutions
• Food ingredient manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Roosendaal

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. B2B Ingredient Sales: Sensus sells its Frutafit® inulin and Frutalose® oligofructose chicory root fiber ingredients to food and beverage manufacturers, dietary supplement companies, and sports nutrition brands on a business-to-business basis. Ingredients are sold in bulk for use as fiber enrichment, sugar reduction, fat replacement, texturizing, and prebiotic functionality in food applications.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sensus extracts and processes chicory root fiber (inulin and oligofructose) from the chicory plant (Chicorium intybus) at its Roosendaal and Zwolle facilities in the Netherlands, and sells the resulting Frutafit inulin and Frutalose oligofructose ingredients to food, beverage, dietary supplement, and sports nutrition manufacturers worldwide. The ingredients function as natural soluble dietary fibers used by manufacturers for fiber enrichment, sugar reduction (1:1 sugar replacement, up to 60% of sugar sweetness), fat replacement, texture and mouthfeel improvement, and prebiotic fortification.

Product overview

Sensus offers a portfolio of chicory root fiber ingredients centered on Frutafit® inulin and Frutalose® oligofructose brands. These natural soluble dietary fibers are extracted from chicory roots and serve as prebiotic ingredients enabling food manufacturers to develop products with fiber enrichment, sugar reduction, and fat replacement while maintaining taste and texture. The product range is complemented by Tendra® Fava Protein Isolate in North America, which pairs synergistically with chicory root fibers for plant-based dairy applications. Sensus serves food, beverage, and supplement manufacturers across more than 45 countries through an extensive distribution network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CEFI: Comité Européen des Fabricants d'Inuline - European Association of Chicory Inulin Producers, a non-profit organization representing major producers BENEO, COSUCRA, and Sensus.
• Tendra

Products and services

• Frutafit Inulin Chicory root inulin extracted from the root of the chicory plant (Chicorium intybus) using hot-water extraction. A natural soluble dietary fiber with prebiotic properties sold to food and beverage manufacturers for fiber enrichment, sugar and fat replacement, and taste/texture enhancement in finished products.
• Frutalose Oligofructose Short-chain oligofructose derived from chicory root. A soluble dietary fiber with prebiotic effect that selectively stimulates growth of beneficial bifidobacteria in the colon, sold to food and beverage manufacturers for sugar reduction, fiber enrichment, and texture improvement.
• Tendra Fava Bean Protein Isolate (North America distribution) Functional plant-based protein produced by sister company Cosun Protein, offering high protein content with neutral taste profile, high solubility, and exceptional emulsification properties. Distributed exclusively by Sensus America in the North American market and positioned to complement chicory root fibers for plant-based dairy alternative and active-nutrition applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Inulin market projected to grow from USD 1.99 billion (2025) to USD 3.59 billion (2034) at 6.8% CAGR (Fortune Business Insights)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Maastricht University and UMC GroningencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Sensus is involved in a four-year long-term human study launched in 2025, led by Prof. Ellen Blaak and Dr. Emanuel Canfora at Maastricht University, in collaboration with UMC Groningen, Maastricht Instruments, and Sensus. The study uses innovative real-time breath measurement technology to explore how inulin/dietary fibers influence gut fermentation and metabolism, investigating fat burning, energy use, satiety hormones, and brain health.
• Tendra (Fava Bean Protein) — Cosun ProteincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Sensus positions its chicory root fiber and Tendra fava bean protein isolate as a 'powerful pair' for active nutrition and plant-based product applications. Both ingredients are plant-based, complement each other nutritionally, and together solve taste and texture challenges in plant-based dairy alternatives, protein shakes, and meal replacers.
• CEFI (Comité Européen des Fabricants d'Inuline)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2025CEFI is the European Association of Chicory Inulin Producers, a non-profit organization representing the world's major chicory inulin producers: BENEO, COSUCRA, and Sensus (Royal Cosun). CEFI cooperates on regulatory topics related to health, nutrition, and sustainability in the EU and beyond, and promotes sustainable chicory cultivation. In October 2025, CEFI joined the International Probiotic Association (IPA), adding prebiotic expertise to IPA's existing probiotic focus.
• International Probiotic Association (IPA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2025IPA is a science-driven organization that has been a trusted voice for the probiotics industry since 1999 and expanded in 2023 to include prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics. CEFI joined IPA in October 2025, bringing decades of scientific and regulatory expertise in plant-based prebiotics to strengthen the position of prebiotics within IPA.
• Brenntag USAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 April 2023Brenntag USA is a distribution partner for Sensus in the US market. Sensus organized a training day for Brenntag USA sales managers (March 29, 2023) including taste and feel sessions, discussions of commercial products, and application guidance for chicory inulin. 14 people attended in person with 6 attending online.
• Cosun Protein (Tendra®)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2023Sensus America has exclusive distribution rights in North America for Tendra® Fava Bean Protein Isolate, produced by sister company Cosun Protein. Tendra® is a functional plant-based protein with neutral taste, high solubility, and exceptional emulsification properties. The combination of Sensus' prebiotic and texturizing chicory fibers with Tendra® protein is marketed as a synergistic plant-based portfolio for food manufacturers, especially in dairy alternative categories.
• DKSH ThailandcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 December 2022DKSH Thailand is the exclusive business partner and distributor for Sensus in Thailand. The partnership successfully obtained Thai FDA approval for a health claim stating that chicory root fiber increases bifidobacteria in the intestine. DKSH organized a December 2022 workshop in Bangkok to educate Thai food manufacturers on registering and using the health claim with Sensus Frutafit® inulin and Frutalose® oligofructose in their products.
• DSM and Novo NordiskminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2022Sensus collaborated with DSM and Novo Nordisk within the CarboKinetics public-private partnership coordinated by the Carbohydrate Competence Center (CCC). This research examined the impact of prebiotic inulin on human metabolism. Sensus colleagues presented findings at ISAPP 2022.
• FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Emma Children's HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2022Sensus participated in a collaborative research project with FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Emma Children's Hospital (Amsterdam UMC) investigating the impact of prebiotics on child digestive health and gut microbiota. Results were presented at ISAPP 2022.
• CHIC Project Consortium (European)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2021Sensus participates in the European CHIC (CHIC: Chicory — Innovation for dietary use) project, a multi-year research initiative developing and applying New Plant Breeding Techniques (including CRISPR-Cas) for chicory as a multipurpose crop. Partners include Wageningen University & Research, KeyGene, and others. The project aims to develop chicory varieties without bitter compounds, improve inulin yield stability, and explore anti-inflammatory bitter compound applications.
• Maag Lever Darm Stichting (Dutch Digestive Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2021The Dutch Digestive Foundation partnered with Sensus, Bolletje, Sonneberg Group, and Kelloggs to support the Vezel-UP study led by Wageningen University. This research investigated how to increase fiber intake using personalized nutrition approaches. The study won the James Lind Prize 2021 in applied science. Sensus and MLDS also collaborated on the 'Vezel-up' campaign to encourage Dutch consumers to eat more fiber.
• Wageningen University & ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2021Sensus collaborates with Wageningen University on multiple research fronts including the Vezel-UP personalized nutrition study (won James Lind Prize 2021), the CarboKinetics public-private partnership, child digestive health research with Emma Children's Hospital and FrieslandCampina Ingredients, and CRISPR-Cas chicory breeding within the European CHIC project. Wageningen is a key partner in Sensus' scientific research network.
• Royal CosuncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSensus is a business group of Royal Cosun, an agro-industrial cooperative of approximately 8,100 Dutch sugar beet growers. Cosun has processed members' crops since 1899 and today comprises six business groups: Aviko, Cosun Beet Company, Duynie Group, Sensus, Cosun Biobased Experts, and Cosun Protein. Sensus operates under the Cosun 'The Plant Positive Way' vision and Cosun Unlock 25 strategy, benefiting from shared R&D (Cosun Innovation Centre), sustainability programs, and distribution synergies at trade shows.
• Bolletje, Sonneberg Group, KelloggsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThese food manufacturing companies partnered with Sensus and the Dutch Digestive Foundation to support the Vezel-UP study investigating fiber intake improvement through personalized nutrition, led by Wageningen University and Research.
• MSI-ACI (Consumer Research)minorOthersSensus regularly commissions global consumer research through MSI-ACI, a subsidiary of MSI International, to gain insights into consumer perspectives on fiber intake, digestive health, prebiotics, and sugar reduction across Europe and the US. Research results (2022, 2023) are published as infographics and articles to build market demand.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Cargill: Cargill is one of the largest global agricultural and food ingredient companies, offering a broad range of fibers, proteins, sweeteners, and texturizers to food manufacturers. It competes with Sensus in fiber and prebiotic ingredient supply through its health ingredients portfolio.
• Tate & Lyle: Tate & Lyle is a global food and beverage ingredient supplier with a strong focus on sugar reduction, dietary fibers, and clean-label texturants. It competes with Sensus across multiple application areas — particularly in formulated food categories where fiber enrichment and sugar replacement overlap.
• Kerry Group: Kerry Group is a major global taste and nutrition company providing ingredients and functional solutions to food and beverage manufacturers. Its taste, nutrition, and functional ingredient portfolio overlaps with Sensus in clean-label, sugar reduction, and texture applications.
• Roquette: Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients including starches, polyols, proteins, and fibers derived from corn, wheat, peas, and other crops. Its NUTRALYS® plant proteins and dietary fiber portfolio overlap with Sensus's plant-based ingredient strategy, especially in dairy alternatives and sports nutrition.
• FrieslandCampina Ingredients: FrieslandCampina Ingredients supplies dairy-derived proteins, prebiotics, and functional ingredients for infant nutrition, sports, and active lifestyle applications. It is a research collaborator with Sensus (e.g., child digestive health studies) and a competitor in prebiotic and gut-health ingredient categories.
• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland): ADM is a global nutrition and agricultural processor with a significant ingredients business spanning fibers, proteins, flavors, and health/nutrition solutions. It competes with Sensus in supplying prebiotic, fiber, and plant-based ingredients to food, beverage, and supplement manufacturers worldwide.
• Ingredion Incorporated: Ingredion is a major global ingredient solutions provider offering a wide portfolio including dietary fibers, sweeteners, and texturizers serving food and beverage manufacturers. While not a chicory inulin specialist, it competes with Sensus in soluble fiber, sugar reduction, and clean-label ingredient categories.

Direct peers

• BENEO: BENEO is the inulin market leader and a direct competitor to Sensus in chicory root fiber production. Owned by Südzucker, BENEO produces Orafti® inulin from chicory and is the larger of the three CEFI members, making it the closest comparable in product portfolio, customer base, and regulatory positioning.
• COSUCRA: COSUCRA is a Belgian producer of chicory inulin and pea protein, and a fellow CEFI member alongside Sensus and BENEO. It is the third major direct peer in the chicory inulin oligopoly, competing head-to-head in B2B ingredient sales to food manufacturers across Europe and globally.

Emerging players

• Axiom Foods: Axiom Foods is a US-based plant-based ingredient supplier specializing in proteins (oat, pea, hemp, sacha inchi) and other functional ingredients for food and sports nutrition manufacturers. While not a chicory inulin specialist, it represents the emerging cohort of plant-based ingredient companies competing for the same B2B customers as Sensus in the health and wellness segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/249483
• Xx.com/sensusfiber

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sensus