Sweet news: PureCircle reports growth of stevia use in food, beverage products

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- PureCircle, the world’s leading producer and innovator of stevia sweeteners has reported the use of stevia leaf sweetener in food and beverage products grew at an accelerated pace last year.

In 2018, the number of new products using stevia grew more than 31 per cent, compared to 2017. By looking separately, beverages launched with stevia increased more than 36 per cent, and foods, more than 27 per cent.

The data continues to showcase stevia’s increased adoption as an important ingredient for beverage and food companies, according to a statement.

Stevia has a high use incidence in plant-based drinks; dairy-based ice cream and frozen yogurt; ready-to-drink iced tea; dressings and vinegars; carbonated soft drinks; meal replacements and other drinks.

Some of the major beverage and food companies launching products with stevia leaf sweetener last year included Calbee Foods, The Coca-Cola Co, Groupe Danone, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever.

The beverage and food products launched with stevia are occurring worldwide with all global regions participating. The top two regions last year were Asia/Pacific (42 per cent) and Europe (21 per cent), followed by Latin America, North America and Middle East/Africa.

PureCircle has significantly boosted production of stevia sweeteners and is able to supply at a cost and scale to meet the growing demand for its best tasting stevia leaf ingredients. For more information, contact https://purecircle.com.

-- BERNAMA