Actress, producer and presenter Cleo Rocos, who has developed a tequila brand AquaRiva, is now targeting the bakery market with an organic agave syrup under the same brand, after spending time in Mexico to source the finest quality.

Organic agave syrup is a complete sugar replacement for all recipes, is naturally one-third sweeter than sugar, so has fewer calories, and contains the prebiotic inulin, which aids digestion, according to the company.

Speaking to British Baker, Rocos said the brand was already attracting the attention of top bakers, including Paul A Young and Jonathan Whaite, who were using it in recipes, as well as chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and Gino D’Acampo.

She said: “I am passionate about healthier ways to sweeten our food and drinks.

AquaRiva is the purest organic agave syrup available – it is a single ingredient product.

“I am being contacted weekly by bakers and food suppliers who are replacing conventional sugar with organic agave syrup. I supply them in bulk orders.”

Rocos revealed that she has just returned from Mexico, where she was filming a feature for Channel 4’s ‘Food Unwrapped’ series, which will look at the move away from conventional sugars and the consumer demand for healthier alternatives. This is set to air before Christmas.

“Sugar is an issue affecting all food producers,” added Rocos. “AquaRiva Organic agave syrup is low-GI, gluten-free and vegan, with no aftertaste. It is easy to work with too.

“The intention for my brand is to help bakers and the food industry to be able to offer a healthier sugar alternative that they can trust.  This is important as not all agave syrups are equal. Some are cut with other ingredients including corn syrup. AquaRiva is certified and recognised as the highest quality available.”