Three different strains of Aureobasidium pullulans were grown in batch cultures to compare their abilities for the production of fructo-oligosaccharides. Specific intracellular enzyme activity was the highest with strain KCCM 12017 and enzyme production was closely coupled to growth. Using A. pullulans cells, 166 g/l fructo-oligosaccharides was produced from 360 g/l molasses sugar as sucrose equivalent at 55 degreesC and pH 5.5 after 24 h incubation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.