Stevia World Americas concluded on a high note with over 150 participants from 19 countries! The conference attracted participation from stevia growers, refiners, flavor co, food ingredient co, sugar & sweetener co, food & beverage co, nutraceuticals companies, investors and many more, offering a diverse range of views at the conference.

James (Jim) Kempland was one of the first attendees to share his reflections on the conference. Jim is the Vice President of Marketing at GLG Lifetech Corporation, and his report outlined what key industry experts had to say on the ‘past, present and future’ of stevia, and called for greater cooperation within the Stevia industry.

According to Jim, “From the panels to the hallway conversations, one thing was clear: stevia is headed for the mainstream, creating a whole new category of natural, no-calorie sweeteners, which will change the world’s eating and drinking habits.”

He added, “Stevia’s growth comes from the wide range of products that stevia can positively influence. The opportunity is to shift the way food and beverage manufacturers are looking at developing zero and low-calorie products for consumers. Stevia can be blended with sugar to lower calorie content in food and beverages, or it can replace artificial sweeteners.”

Besides Jim, we also heard from many other conference attendees, who shared their reviews and testimonials. Here’s a snapshot of what they are saying:

“This was a very informative conference on the life of this emerging raw material. It explained the product cycle literally from crop to cup.” ~ Sr Flavor Chemist, MANE

“I learned a lot, and I have much to do in the lab about applications to improve recipes with Stevia” ~ R&D Beverage Manager, Danone Group

“All phases of business covered in 2 days, gives you a good idea of who’s who in business” ~ President, Agriplus

“Very useful meeting with all relevant players of the industry, I learned in 2 days more than in months of isolated effort” ~ Director, Agrostevia

“Very good, would highly recommend to others” ~ Sr Manager Technical Services, Niutang Chemical

Stevia World Americas definitely set the bar high for Stevia World conferences, and the upcoming 2nd Stevia World Asia on 20-21 April in Shanghai, and the 2nd Stevia World Europe on 18-19 May 2010 in Geneva are all set to bring more value in terms of information and insights to all attendees.

Those seeking more information on 2nd Stevia World Asia and 2nd Stevia World Europe can click on the links below or email hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg to find out more.

Those who wish to read Jim’s article can do so at http://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view/17865

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March 2010! According to the buzz in the stevia industry, March 2010 is when the EFSA is going to announce their approval for Stevia’s consumption across the European Union. An announcement published on the EFSA website, stated that the findings of the EFSA safety review will be disseminated by the first quarter of 2010.

The size of the European common market (over 500 million) holds many opportunities once EU wide approval is given for Stevia, and major Stevia producers, as well as F&B companies are already planning products for this important market.

Will trends echo the US Beverage markets, where multinational beverage manufacturers have already launched new product lines sweetened with stevia sweeteners?

The expectation is high among the industry that Stevia Sweeteners will enjoy tremendous success in Europe due to growing health concerns over alternatives like Aspartame and Sugar. In addition to that, Europeans consumers are already aware of stevia with many waiting for a free market.

2nd Stevia World Europe is meeting in Geneva on 18-19 May 2009, to discuss the theme, “Potential Applications in Untapped Nutraceutical, Food & Beverage Markets”.  The location in Switzerland is a reflection of the industry’s hope for the EU to mirror the Swiss regulatory approval for stevia-based sweeteners! The conference is also meeting alongside a major Food Ingredients show in Geneva.

Participants at 2nd Stevia World Europe can look forward to expert insights on:

• European regulatory developments
• Supply availability in Europe and sourcing from South America
• Organic certifications and outlook for stevia
• Extraction technologies & quality control
• Formulation, Sensory optimisation technologies
• Applications in nutraceuticals, dairy, animal feed markets

Those seeking more information on participation in 2nd Stevia World Europe can submit their registrations to Ms. Hafizah Adam. Email her at hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg. Those keen on exploring sponsorships and media exchange agreements are also welcome to write in with their proposals.

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John Bhatt serves as the Regional Vice President of Industrial Biotech, North America at Novasep. John is responsible for the industrial markets in North America such as nutraceuticals, sweeteners, high intesity sugars, fermentation, bio-industries, and food and beverage.   His function (in collaboration with his colleagues in France) is to provide process development studies for different ingredients as well as the scale up model for commercialization of the ingredients.

John Bhatt has a Chemical Engineering degree from Lehigh University with a MBA from the University of Delaware.  Currently, John is working on his PhD in International Economics from Delaware.

Novasep is a global company headquartered in Pompey, France.  Novasep develops, markets, and operates, innovative technologies providing safe and cost-effective production means for the active molecules of the Life Science Industries.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
15:05  Extraction & Purification Technologies for High Purity Reb-A

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Javier Sáinz is a Chemical Engineer and holds a Master of Science in Bioprocess Engineering, both from the Catholic University of Chile. He has been working for more than a decade in bioprocess development and production for natural extracts, starting in the Wine Association of Chile and moving later into high value natural extracts.

From 2002 to 2009 he was first a Production manager and then the General Manager of Natural Response /Desert King, world leader in saponin production, which are natural emulsifiers.

In 2006, together with two partners, he formed Prodalysa in order to develop the first fully water extracted and purified steviol glycosides extracts approved as sweeteners by the FDA. Since 2007, Javier has worked together with Jim May of Wisdom Brands in order to bring the best natural sweeteners to the US Market.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
14:35  Stevia Extraction – Mechanical Technology

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Prof. Silvio Claudio da Costa is a professor of biochemistry at the State University of Maringá – Brazil. He is also the Coordinator of the Studies in Natural Products, a group multiciplinar (Nepron) State University of Maringa, which has worked with stevia in the last 30 years.

He participated in the project that resulted in the construction of the first plant extracts of stevia in the West, the company Stevfarma. Between 1999 and 2004, he coordinated a multidisciplinary project which resulted in the selection of plants with high content of rebaudioside A , cultivation on a commercial scale of clonal line of Stevia, UEM-320, and process development of extraction and purification of the extracts stevia based methods of membrane separation and ion exchange. The technology developed in this project was transferred to the company that founded the project -  Stevmax Edulcorantes Naturais do Brasil.

Currently, he spends more time working with selection of stevia plants with high content of rebaudioside A, and he has great interest in the identification and separation of substances in stevia that may have nutritional and medicinal properties.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
14:05  Selection of Stevia with High Content of Rebaudioside A in Brazil

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Angus Flood is the Executive Vice President for Strategic Development with Wisdom Natural Brands. He has 20 years experience in the  natural products industry, having worked with category leaders in both the B2B and B2C categories to develop markets and leading natural brands in the US, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Angus has a wide portfolio of commercial experience  including organic, fair trade, natural health, omega 3 and functional ingredients. His role at Wisdom natural brands, the world leader in stevia water extraction technology, has a particularly strategic focus to achieve rapid and sustainable growth.

Angus is passionate about fair trade initiatives for stevia farmers and their families and ensuring the stevia industry provides a sustainable and natural solution to the obesity and diabetes epidemics sweeping through Western diet countries. He is currently active in both the Americas and Europe to help to facilitate permanent and enlightened change.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
14:00  Chairman’s Remarks

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Jason Hecker is Director of Marketing for PureCircle, heading up global marketing activities for the company.

Throughout his career, he has helped businesses across the United States and internationally to accelerate growth through sound business strategies. Jason has held a number of senior positions in consulting and brand management with some of the world’s leading consumer packaged goods companies.

Prior to joining PureCircle, he managed brand portfolios with Kraft Foods, developing business strategies and driving new product development on such brands as DiGiorno and Tombstone Pizza, Kraft Cheese and Athenos Hummus.

Mr. Hecker earned his bachelor of science from the University of Michigan and MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
09:00  Chairman’s Remarks

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Dr. Sidd Purkayastha, Technical Director of PureCircle USA brings more than 20 years experience in the Sweetener industry to his position.

Before joining PureCircle, Sidd was with Tate & Lyle R&D, where he developed and marketed innovative ingredient technology, managed domestic and global technical projects on food ingredients and wellness platform.

He has broad knowledge of the structure-function of food ingredients, including sweeteners, acids, hydrocolloids, starch and starch-derivatives.

Dr. Purkayastha earned his doctorate in food engineering from the University of Massachusetts and MBA from the University of Illinois.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
11:30  Technical Aspects of Formulating with Stevia

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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James Kempland leads the strategic marketing division for GLG. He brings a diversity of experience in high intensity sweeteners, agriculture and supply as well as marketing for consumer package goods. He has worked for and with firms such as Monsanto, NutraSweet, Kraft, Procter & Gamble and other leading multinationals within the food and beverage industry.

He has managed marketing communications for portfolios of the largest brands in the beverage alcohol category, Brown-Forman, Constellation, Miller and Diageo. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Maryville University-St. Louis.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
09:15  Mainstreaming of Stevia – The Way Forward
14:15  Chairman’s Remarks

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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David Bishop has more than 25 years of experience in international business including organizational, educational, and managerial responsibilities. He has lived and worked as an expatriate in a cross cultural/cross linguistic environment for more than 15 years and has completed assignments in over 40 countries.

He holds a Master of Science in Management from Georgia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clemson University, and is a graduate of the Yon Sei University Korean Language Institute in Seoul, Korea.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
12:30  Roundtable Discussion: Stevia Safety & Quality
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
11:45  Roundtable Discussion : Production Model

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Webinar Recording: Stevia – Taking the Next Steps
Duration: 1 hour

Held in conjunction with Stevia World Americas, a 1 hour webinar, “Stevia-Taking the Next Steps” was held on 17 Feb 2010.

During the webinar, GLG Life Tech Corporation’s David Bishop, EVP of International Affairs and James Kempland, VP of Marketing pinpointed 6 key areas that the sector needs to look into, to meet growing global demand, as well as taste, quality and cost challenges.

David Bishop and James Kempland also participated in a lively discussion that covered the history of the Stevia industry, parallel events that are supporting current demand, and GLG’s plans for future expansion. Their structured presentation also covered Breeding High-Reb A content Stevia, Increasing Stevia Sweetener production capacity, ensuring consistent quality and taste, Formulation and technical support issues, marketing & new product development and more.

There was also a 25-minute question and answer session, where David & James answered pre-submitted questions on sourcing, flavor masking, and even product positioning concerns.

Stevia Experts David Bishop & James Kempland…

David Bishop & James Kempland are right at the heart of the Steviarevolution, which is stirring up a wave of change in the food & beverage industry with its ‘all natural’ and zero calorie profile.

DAVID BISHOP – EVP International Affairs, GLG Life Tech Corp: David Bishop has more than 25 years of experience in international business including organizational, educational, and managerial responsibilities. He has lived and worked as an expatriate in a cross cultural/cross linguistic environment for more than 15 years and has completed assignments in over 40 countries.

Mr. Bishop is currently the chairperson of Qingdao Runde Biotechnology Co., Ltd. a stevia production facility that GLG acquired on December 18, 2006.  He has played an intricate role in the company’s ramp up of its industrial capacity for three years in China and is now back in the United States as the market continues to develop in the West. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Georgia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clemson University, and is a graduate of the Yon Sei University Korean Language Institute in Seoul, Korea.

JAMES KEMPLAND – VP Marketing, GLG Life Tech Corp: James Kempland leads the strategic marketing division for GLG. He brings a diversity of experience in high intensity sweeteners, agriculture and supply as well as marketing for consumer package goods. He has worked for and with firms such as Monsanto, NutraSweet, Kraft, Proctor & Gamble and other leading multinationals within the food and beverage industry.

He has managed marketing communications for portfolios of the largest brands in the beverage alcohol category, Brown-Forman, Constellation, Miller and Diageo. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Maryville University-St. Louis.

Couldn’t tune in live on 17 Feb? Want to listen again? Simply provide your details in the form below … and we’ll email you the webinar replay immediately.

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“One year on, PureCircle says, “stevia becoming mainstream”

OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS – January 27, 2010 –It’s been a little more than a year since the zero-calorie, all-natural sweetener, Reb A attained GRAS status in the U.S. for use in food and beverages. Regulation of stevia in the U.S. and other parts of the world ignited a strong interest in the natural sweetener from both manufacturers and consumers during the past year.  Not surprisingly, the first products with stevia to market were tabletop sweeteners and beverages. But because of its naturally broad appeal, stevia is now making its way into other categories as well.

“The interest we’ve experienced across food and beverage categories continues to reinforce that stevia is on its way toward becoming a mainstream ingredient,” commented Jason Hecker, director of marketing, PureCircle USA. “In the past year, we’ve partnered with companies to deliver great-tasting products across global markets in diverse categories from beverage to dairy.  All these new products continue to drive stevia into the mainstream.  Reinforcing this, we have proprietary research conducted earlier this month that indicates nearly half of all women in America are aware of stevia. This is a significant increase from eight months ago when we conducted our initial study.”

Research presented during PureCircle’s global Webinar in May from a mom-focused study indicated that just five months after GRAS status was achieved for stevia-derived Reb A, one in three moms were aware of stevia. (To view the Webinar, go to www.purecircle.com)

“We’ve seen clearly that acceptance has been not only as a zero-calorie solution, but also as a wonderful way to reduce calories in the ‘full-calorie’ products consumers’ love,” says Hecker.  “And we are especially excited to see the recent move into products outside of beverage and tabletop.” Here’s a brief review of some of the latest stevia-sweetened products to debut globally over the past six months:

White Wave Foods, a subsidiary of Dean Foods, introduced Silk® Chocolate Light soymilk, offering consumers a naturally-sweetened, lower calorie option with only 90 calories per serving. Another product that came onto the market as a lower-calorie version of a higher-calorie favorite was Trop 50 orange juice drinks. It quickly became a $100 million brand and recently added two new varieties—Pomegranate Blueberry and Pineapple Mango.

Zero-Calorie Sobe Lifewater also got a very positive response from consumers, so the line was extended with two additional flavors: Strawberry Dragonfruit & Cherimoya Punch. Further PepsiCo launches include Aquafina Plus Vitamins 10 Calin Canada—the nation’s first low-calorie vitamin-enhanced water to feature a pure stevia extract, all-natural sweetener—and the low-cal, hydrating beverage G2 from Gatorade, which debuted in Mexico in three 100% naturally sweetened flavors.

Other notable international flavored water launches came from Group Danone and Frucor. Group Danone’s Bonafont recently rolled out a stevia-sweetened version of its Levite brand flavored water into Latin America. And Frucor introduced New Zealand’s first low-calorie, vitamin-enhanced beverage, featuring a stevia-derived sweetener.

Beyond beverages, Nestle rolled out Yoco Yogurt and Bliss Drinkable Yogurt in Malaysia. Both of these dairy products are naturally sweetened with zero-calorie, stevia.  In New Zealand, Goodman Fielder’s Meadow Fresh Lite Yoghurt was reformulated to replace the sucralose in it with naturally-derived Reb A from stevia.  It’s now being promoted as ‘naturally sweetened.’

Shortly after France gave regulatory approval to Reb A last September, Whole Earth Sweetener Co. announced plans to introduce its all-natural, zero-calorie, tabletop sweetener, PureVia™ into the market. The PureVia tabletop product was also recently launched into Mexico and Australia.

The introduction of all of these products is indicative of the global interest in and desire for a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that tastes great.  Stevia-derived Reb A is meeting that desire.

About high-purity Reb A:

High-purity Reb A is the world’s first all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia Rebaudiana plant.  For more on Reb A visit www.reb-a.com

About PureCircle:

PureCircle is a pioneer in the extraction of natural goodness from plants and a leading global producer of natural high-intensity sweeteners, including high-purity Rebaudioside A (Reb A). The company has a vertically integrated supply chain operating in three continents. Activities range from breeding of proprietary stevia varieties, sourcing of dry stevia leaves and extraction, and refining of crude extracts into sweeteners to the marketing of these sweeteners to food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. PureCircle is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market with the ticker symbol: LSE.PURE. For more information, visit www.purecircle.com

For More Information:
Kitty Kevin
815.398.6860
kkevin@quietlightcom.com

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Stevia World Americas is just 2 weeks away, this will be your last chance to register, especially if you are keen to network with the who’s who in the stevia industry.

This conference has attracted a good mix of industry players and end-users,  please see pie-chart below for the detailed breakdown:

Do join us at Stevia World Americas and be part of the revolution. You can register now at <<CLICK HERE>>. Hope to see you on 25-26 February in Atlanta!

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Webinar Title: Stevia – Taking the Next Steps
Date & Time: Wednesday, 17 February, 7PM – 8PM (New York)
*Thursday, 18 February, 8AM-9AM (Hong Kong)
*Thursday, 18 February, 11AM-12PM (Sydney)
* due to time difference

Held in conjunction with Stevia World Americas that meets on 25 & 26 February in Atlanta, Georgia, this one-hour Webinar features insights from GLG Life Tech Corporation’s David Bishop, EVP of International Affairs and James Kempland, VP of Marketing

At the webinar, David Bishop and James Kempland will discuss how far the Stevia Industry has come, and what needs to be done next in terms of meeting taste, quality and cost challenges, as well as ramping up production to meet growing global demand.

More on Stevia Experts David Bishop & James Kempland…

DAVID BISHOP- EVP International Affairs, GLG Life Tech Corp: David Bishop has more than 25 years of experience in international business including organizational, educational, and managerial responsibilities. He has lived and worked as an expatriate in a cross cultural/cross linguistic environment for more than 15 years and has completed assignments in over 40 countries.

Mr. Bishop is currently the chairman of Qingdao Runde Biotechnology Co., Ltd. a stevia production facility that GLG acquired on December 18, 2006.  He has played an intricate role in the company’s ramp up of its industrial capacity for three years in China and is now back in the United States as the market continues to develop in the West. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Georgia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clemson University, and is a graduate of the Yon Sei University Korean Language Institute in Seoul, Korea.

JAMES KEMPLAND- VP Marketing, GLG Life Tech Corp: James Kempland leads the strategic marketing division for GLG. He brings a diversity of experience in high intensity sweeteners, agriculture and supply as well as marketing for consumer package goods. He has worked for and with firms such as Monsanto, NutraSweet, Kraft, Proctor & Gamble and other leading multinationals within the food and beverage industry.

He has managed marketing communications for portfolios of the largest brands in the beverage alcohol category, Brown-Forman, Constellation, Miller and Diageo. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Maryville University-St. Louis.

Have a Question on the Stevia market and applications?
Register Early to ensure your questions are answered.

David Bishop & James Kempland are right at the heart of the Stevia revolution, which is stirring up a wave of change in the food & beverage industry with its ‘all natural’ and zero calorie profile.

Just fill in the form below and hit submit, for more information on how you can register for the webinar and submit your question for the webinar’s Q&A session.

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CMT is proud to welcome GLG as PLATINUM SPONSOR for SteviaWorld Americas on 25-26 February 2010 in Atlanta!

About GLG Life Tech Corporation

GLG Life Tech Corporation is a global leader in the supply of high purity stevia, an all natural, zero-calorie sweetener used in food and beverages. The Company’s vertically integrated operations cover each step in the stevia supply chain including non-GMO stevia seed breeding, natural propagation, exclusive stevia leaf growth and harvest areas, proprietary extraction and refining technique, marketing and distribution of finished product. GLG’s advanced technology and innovation in extraction make it one of the world’s leading producers of high purity stevia extracts.

Offering a number of stevia based sweetening systems, GLG’s premier, high quality Rebaudioside A product line includes RebpureTM RA97, RebsweetTM RA80 and AnysweetTM RA60. GLG has also recently launched its newest product line Sweet Success (SM), which provides food and beverage manufacturers greater flexibility in formulating with high purity stevia sweeteners while still maintaining a smooth, clean, sucrose-like taste profile. In addition, GLG also has capabilities to formulate and granulate any of its stevia extracts to provide a tabletop ready consumer product.

With ample capacity to meet demand, GLG stevia leaf processing capabilities include 41,000 metric tons of raw stevia leaf and annual production of 3,000 metric tons of high quality stevia extract. Facilities are GMP and ISO9001:2000 and meet the strictest quality and safety requirements. GLG is unique in that the stevia leaf processed and used in production is the company’s own special strain, rich in Rebaudioside A and reaching a much higher level of quality and taste in the raw leaf than that of common market leaf. GLG’s patented stevia strains enable the company to produce great tasting stevia extracts more efficiently and with a secure leaf supply.

From seed to shelf, GLG utilizes its technology, innovation and focus on customizable solutions to provide great tasting stevia sweetening systems to companies around the globe.

The Company’s headquarters are located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

NASDAQ: GLGL
TSX:GLG

Click below for more GLG news / press releases:

>>GLG LIFE TECH CORPORATION ANNOUNCES NEW SWEET SUCCESS^SM LINE OF STEVIA PRODUCTS

>>GLG LIFE TECH CORPORATION COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION ON NEW REBPURE^TM RA97 REFINING FACILITY

>>GLG LIFE TECH CORPORATION ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL HARVEST OF PROPRIETARY SEED; EXPECTED TO RESULT IN AN ESTIMATED 40,000 METRIC TONS OF STEVIA LEAF IN 2010

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According to the recently published ‘Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009’, tackling the taste profile and after-taste tops the list of industry concerns. That’s why Stevia World Americas has made Flavor Solutions as one of the key agenda. Top ingredient companies, Wixon Inc. and Overseal Natural Ingredients will be sharing about their technologies that can improve the taste profile of Stevia sweeteners.

For more information on Wixon’s presentation, please see their press release below. A range of other topics covering the stevia market outlook, safety & quality assurance, and supply chain development will also be addressed at the conference. To explore the updated conference agenda, please >>Click Here<<.

Jan 22, 2010, ST. FRANCIS, Wis. – Mariano Gascon, Vice President of Research and Development for Wixon Inc., will discuss how to mask off-notes and enhance sweetness with flavor modifiers for stevia, Thurs., Feb. 25, at the Stevia World Americas conference. Held at the W Atlanta Midtown Hotel, the conference will examine how to advance stevia’s position as a mainstream sweetener while improving its taste profile and ensuring the reliability of quality and supply.

Gascon will detail stevia vis-à-vis sugar and other high-intensity sweeteners and describe the ‘silver lining’ of flavor modifiers.

As vice president of research and development, Gascon directs product and food technology developments through Wixon’s staff of food technologists, flavorists, and research professionals. He joined Wixon in 1997 as flavor lab director from Virginia Dare, New York, and International Flavor & Fragrances Inc., Mexico. His experience in creating flavors spans nearly 20 years and includes many successes in developing new products and masking unwanted notes for clients. Under Gascon’s direction, the Mag-nifique™ line of flavor modifiers was developed.

Gascon is a certified flavor chemist and has served as president of the Society of Flavor Chemists. He also is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT). He is known internationally for his work in flavors and ingredients and has been published in “Modifying Flavour in Food” (2007) contributing “Masking Agents for Use in Foods.”

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering with a major in food sciences from the National School of Biological Sciences of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, a master’s degree in product development from Northwestern University, and a chef certificate from Kendall College, Chicago.

Wixon is a fully integrated food and beverage ingredient leader providing custom-ground spices, blended seasonings, flavor technologies, protein expertise, and consumer products and packaging. Wixon’s brand promise of Service Driven Culinary Science gives customers the added benefit of food technology enhanced by the creativity of culinary arts. With its advanced scientific and culinary capabilities combined with a passion for service, Wixon drives innovation and provides solutions for its customers. Besides custom flavor formulations, Wixon offers R&D, product development, packaging options, inventory management, and just-in-time delivery. Wixon is ISO9001 certified and QAI Organic Certified. It celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2007. Its campus is located at 1390 E. Bolivar Ave. in the Milwaukee suburb of St. Francis, Wis., 53235. More information on Wixon or any of its products may be obtained at www.wixon.com or by calling (414) 769-3000.

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Michael Movitz has 18 years natural products industry experience across retail, manufacturer, broker and information supplier organizations, including 9 years with SPINS.  In his current role as Vice President of Business Development, Michael works with SPINS’ strategic partners & industry organizations along with retailers and manufacturer clients, to solve for business objectives utilizing SPINS services across retail channels & consumer behavior measurement.  Michael also supports SPINS’ services and Product Library development, SPINS’ client support teams, and the development of industry trend reporting across retail, consumer & product segments.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
09:15  The Rise of Stevia: Stevia Sales Sweeten Up the Market

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Since the US Food and Drug Administration clearance for high purity Reb A to be used as a food and beverage ingredient was granted in December 2008, a range of stevia-sweetened products have been launched in the US and performed well, securing strong sales. For example, stevia-sweetened tabletop products have secured 10 percent of the US tabletop sweetener market. Similarly, sales of PepsiCo’s SoBe Lifewater beverage flavours sweetened with Reb A, which were launched in 2009, are outperforming the category, PureCircle said, citing research data.

“With continuing pressure for the reduction of calories in food and beverages, PureCircle’s discussions with both current and potential clients have led to the expectation that such clients are planning launches of stevia-sweetened products and line extensions in a wider range and larger size in 2010 and 2011,” it said.

PureCircle plans to accelerate the expansion of its production capacity, initially with a new stevia extraction facility in Paraguay, with work expected to start early in FY 2011. In addition the Company intends to invest further in proprietary leaf development and expansion as part of its global leaf diversification programme.

Source: http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/10326/purecircle-raises-40-mln-for-expansion-as-it-expects-reb-a-sweetener-demand-to-soar-10326.html, 18 November 2009

For more information on PureCircle, join Dr. Sidd Purkayastha, Technical Director of PureCircleUSA as he presents his paper on Technical Aspects of Formulating with Stevia at the Stevia World Americas conference, 22 – 23 March 2010 held in Atlanta.

• Technical Aspects of Formulating with Stevia
• Challenges of formulating with Stevia
• Pros and cons of direct replacement vs. blending
• Blending challenges
• Regulatory status of blending various sweeteners

Participate by registering now >>click here<<

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Sergio Chase is the CEO of Imperio Guarani S.A. in Asuncion, Paraguay, a company which is into Stevia Rebaudiana production. He is also a Consultant to Stevia Project for Merisant Corp since 2008.

Sergio has a Master Of Science in Management from Hult/Arthur D. Little School Of Management in Boston, U.S.A. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics from Economics Institute, University Of Colorado, U.S.A. His undergraduate degree is in Business Administration – Universidad De Parana, Brazil.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
10:05  Contract Farming and Stevia Growing in Paraguay
11:45  Roundtable Discussion : Production Model

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Roberto Campos is an expert in large scale farming of stevia. He has been working with Merck KGaA (Germany) in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil since 1976 and recently (May ‘09) retired from his position as Director of Natural Products in Brazil. During his career he was responsible for sales, marketing, production and farming and latest for the stevia project.

Roberto has undergraduate Chemistry studies at Universidad de Buenos Aires.

He is now an Independant Consultant on stevia.

He lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
12:15  Experience of Mechanical Planting and Harvesting in Brazil

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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James A. May is the founder, President and CEO of Wisdom Natural Brands®, producer of SweetLeaf® brand products, Sweet & Slender® natural sweetener, Wisdom of the Ancients® herbal teas. Originally learning from the natives of Paraguay, he is now a recognized authority on several South American herbs.

He introduced stevia, YerbaMaté and other health generating herbal products to the U.S. in 1982 and is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on these herbs. SweetLeaf® brand Stevia products are the clear category leader in the USA.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 2 – Friday, February 26
09:35  Scaling Up Stevia Availability & Increasing Market Penetration

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Dr. Regina Goralczyk, is a senior project manager at DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Basel, Switzerland, the world’s leading supplier of vitamins, carotenoids and other fine chemicals to the feed, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries.

Regina joined Roche Vitamin Ltd 20 years ago, and developed her career as a principle scientist investigating the health effects of vitamins and carotenoids. In 2006, she became a senior project manager at DSM Nutritional Products.

She is currently responsible for innovation projects targeted to develop new functional ingredients and nutraceuticals for the Mental Performance Health Benefit Platform.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
16:15  New Health Functions for Stevia as a Cognitive Enhancer

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Mariano Gascon directs product and food technology developments through Wixon’s staff of food technologists, flavorists, and research professionals, and also leads the team of flavor chemists at Wixon. He joined the staff of Wixon, Inc. in 1997 as Flavor Lab Director from Virginia Dare (New York) and IFF (Mexico). His experience in creating flavors spans nearly 20 years and includes many successes in developing new products and masking unwanted notes for clients.

Presented with real flavor problems from Wixon customers, the flavor lab team, under Mariano’s direction, developed the Mag-nifique™ line of products. The research and testing completed by this team led to flavor modifiers that are leading the flavor and spice industry.

Mariano is a Certified Flavor Chemist and has served as president of the Society of Flavor Chemists. He also is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT). Gascon is known internationally for his work in flavors and ingredients and recently has been published in “Masking agents for use in foods in modifying flavour in food (2007)” for his work in flavor masking technology.

He is a native of Mexico City, Mexico, and resides in Chicago.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Engineering and a major in Food Sciences from National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City, Mexico,  a master’s degree in Product Development at Northwestern University and a Chef certificate from Kendall College

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
14:05  How to Mask Off-Notes and Enhance Sweetness with Flavor Modifiers for Stevia?

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Justine Lord has worked for Overseal Natural Ingredients, part of the Naturex Group, as Talin® Business Manager for the last 3 years. Prior to this she has held a number of commercial and marketing roles at Overseal, Natraceutical and also at Kerry Ingredients.

Justine has a technical background and after graduating started her professional career as a food development technologist working for a number of food manufacturers and ingredients companies before making the move into the commercial world some 10 years later.

Her current role as Business Manager for Talin®, the name for Thaumatin, is an exciting one and coincides with an increase in the demand for natural ingredients.  Talin® is a natural multifunctional ingredient that primarily used as a flavor enhancer and flavor modifier and is itself naturally sweet.  Her challenge is to ensure that it is used in the best way possible – very often at levels that are far lower than would be expected!

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
14:40  Modifying the Taste Profile of Stevia through Thaumatin

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Prior to her position as Vice President of Cerilliant, Ms. Rettinger was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Radian Analytical Products Division where she was responsible for sales, marketing, and technical customer service. She began her career at Radian in 1989 and served as Associate Scientist, Scientist, Staff Scientist, Senior Scientist and Marketing Director.

She has been published in many industry publications and is a member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists and TIAFT.

Ms. Rettinger received B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Houston Baptist University in Houston, Texas in 1989.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
11:30  Quality Standards to Ensure Highest Purity & Consistency for Reb-A

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Dr. Richard C. Kraska began his career at FDA in food additives and moved on to a supervisory position in the GRAS Review.  At FDA, he participated in safety evaluations on sensitive topics such as aspartame, cyclamate and salt.

For the next twenty-two years he had numerous assignments with three major chemical companies where he integrated critical toxicology aspects into a wide variety of regulatory matters.  Since becoming an independent consultant, Rich as helped dozens of clients with product safety and regulatory projects covering food additives, food processing aids, animal feed additives and food packaging materials.

Rich has a Ph. D. in Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota and is a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
09:45  Health, Safety & Regulatory Advances Accelerate Mainstream Food Uses of Stevia-Derived Sweeteners

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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Dr George Burdock is an internationally recognized authority on the safety of food ingredients, personal care products and dietary supplements. Dr. Burdock has more than 25 years of experience dealing with regulatory issues related to product safety and risk assessment.

He has been on the forefront of non-nutritive sweetener safety and regulatory assessment and stevia in particular.  Dr. Burdock has over 50 peer reviewed publications, several book chapters and four books on food, food ingredients/supplements and regulatory oversight.  Dr. Burdock has also completed 50 invited presentations within the past five years to scientific societies, business groups and regulatory agencies.

Dr. Burdock is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, and a member of the American Chemical Society, the Society for Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, the Society of Toxicology, the American College of Toxicology and the Institute of Food Technologists.

Stevia World Americas 2010 Atlanta Speaker
Day 1 – Thursday, February 25
09:10  Chairman’s Remarks

Stevia World Americas 2010 in Atlanta is a showcase of the who’s who in Stevia sector, including top stevia growers, refiners, traders, key stevia organisations, government officials, scientists and investors who will highlight Upcoming opportunities, Pinpoints Regulatory Challenges & Shares Market Updates.  To find more about Stevia World Americas in Atlanta on February 25 & 26, 2010, please visit http://www.steviaworldforum.com

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The 2nd Stevia World Asia conference meets on 21-22 April 2010 in China. It is a comprehensive conference on the stevia value chain, with important insights covering Stevia markets, stevia cultivation, stevia investments & upcoming stevia applications in the Food & Beverage sector.

Consumers continue to demand ‘natural’ and healthy options in their Food and Beverage choices, creating tremendous opportunities for Stevia sweeteners to emerge as the leading alternative sweetener in the F&B industry.

While Stevia is well on its way to creating a global sweetener revolution, there are still challenges the Stevia industry needs to overcome. According to a recent Frost & Sullivan editorial in Food Navigator.com, sustainable supply chain, adherence to quality standards and alliances with flavor companies are the 3 cornerstones to success in the increasingly competitive stevia sweeteners market. The Stevia industry also needs a good understanding of F&B manufacturers’ product formulation requirements, and meeting their flavoring/sweetening needs.

These are key issues the 2nd Stevia World Asia conference will shed light on. Held on 21-22 April 2010, the conference will also offer up-to-the-minute updates on the latest developments in the industry.

We have assembled an outstanding, international panel of experts, and an agenda that will deliver the latest in industry innovations, research and developments in a 2-day packed program.

Highlights include:

• Global Stevia Market Outlook and International Regulatory Updates
• Cultivation Focus covering Breeding to Propagation to Crop Management and Harvesting
• Real Life Case Studies on Managing Stevia Production through Contract Farming
• An Objective Cost/Benefit Analysis of Stevia Production for investment considerations.
• Upcoming Stevia Applications for Food & Beverage industry.

Those who are currently developing a new Stevia product line, searching for stevia suppliers, or hunting for more information on Stevia, would benefit tremendously by attending 2nd Stevia World Asia!

Part of the globally recognized Stevia World conference series, 2nd Stevia World Asia, the annual Asian edition of the international conference series, will attract participation from leading Stevia Growers, Producers  & Refiners, Horticulture companies and Sweetener companies. The buyer-seller meet will also attract a good mix of F&B companies, Pharmaceutical companies and Food ingredient companies.

The conference will also attract a good mix of Stevia solutions providers, including Flavor & fragrance companies, Biotech Research Institutions and Equipment suppliers, and even Institutional Investors.

Those keen on participating in 2nd Stevia World Asia are welcome to submit their registrations early to confirm their seats. They can submit their registrations to Ms. Hafizah Adam at hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg.

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Stevia World Americas Speaker Sergio Chase, Director General of Imperio Guarani says the Stevia cultivation in Paraguay needs a stronger value chain and fair pricing for its long-term sustainability. Read more about our discussion with Sergio below.

The FDA’s sign of approval for Stevia rebaudioside-A is having a positive spin off effect in Paraguay. A new investment agreement between the US and Paraguay will encourage cultivation of stevia in Itapua region, located in the south of Paraguay. Under the agreement, non-profit NGO Paraguay Vende is to receive funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to train farmers. The plant which is actually native to Paraguay will now provide livelihoods to one of the poorest regions in Latin America.

The first company to produce steviosides in Paraguay is Imperio Guarani, who started way ahead of the others in 2003. Since then, they have already established a growing program and extraction and purification facility to produce steviosides.

Using what their director general Sergio Chase describes as creation of “Stevia Belts”, Imperio Guarani identifies leaders who then ‘recruit’ their fellow farmers and manage them. His agricultural engineers work closely with the leaders and farmers to refine and improve  growing practices. As a result, 40 hectares of Stevia in the “Estancia Pindó” – Curuguaty uses 100% irrigation, and is the first and only one in Paraguay.

According to Sergio Chase, “stevia is a sustainable industry” which “benefits local communities because it’s a very good alternative crop for farmers”. However, he also emphasised that the long-term success in stevia production will depend on strengthening the supply chain and buyers paying a good price for Stevia Leaves.

At Stevia World Americas, Sergio will be sharing his company’s experience with stevia cultivation and contract farming. You can confirm your seats for the conference happening on Feb 25-26 in Atlanta by submitting your registrations online.

>>Click here to sign up!<<

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Más de 300 participantes de la Encuesta Mundial que duró 2 meses, indicaron que el sabor secundario, la legislación y la fiabilidad de suministro eran las principales preocupaciones de la industria. Los resultados de la encuesta se compilaron en  Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009 (Informe de Percepciones de la Industria Mundial de Stevia 2009) para su distribución actual como introducción para la próxima  Stevia World Americas Conference (Conferencia de las Américas sobre el Mundo de la Stevia) en Atlanta, EEUU, el  25-26 de febrero de 2010.

El Informe de Percepciones de la Industria Mundial de Estevia 2009 es un informe gratis descargable con los resultados de la  Encuesta Mundial de Estevia que se realizó desde el 22 de Agosto, 2009, al 22 de Octubre 2009. Las respuestas fueron obtenidas de representantes de la industria de más de 70 países.

La Encuesta Mundial de Estevia  se llevó a cabo para medir las percepciones sobre Estevia,  e identificar futuras direcciones del negocio relacionados con Estevia. Las preguntas de la encuesta abarcaron los mercados, las tecnologías, los modelos de cultivo, las carencias en el conocimiento, la sustitución de edulcorantes por Estevia, las preocupaciones del consumidor, las preferencias en el suministro, los factores de fomento y las limitaciones en el Mercado y el tipo de información necesaria.

Según el Informe de Percepciones de la Industria Mundial de Estevia 2009,  existe un sentimiento general positivo sobre el crecimiento del mercado. Los resultados de la encuesta muestran que el sector de comidas y bebidas tomará más del  65% del mercado  de Estevia. Los entrevistados también acreditan afirman que los edulcorantes de Estevia capturarán más del 50% del Mercado de aspartamo y sucralosa.

Los hallazgos de la encuesta revelaron el mejoramiento del  perfil de sabor de Estevia como la principal preocupación.  La mayoría de los entrevistados indicaron que éste es el reto  número uno limitando el factor de crecimiento de Estevia en el futuro. En segundo lugar se halla la reglamentación, con muchos de ellos expresando que esta es la principal causa de la brecha en el conocimiento. Resultó evidente, a través del interés en negocios de exclusividad a largo plazo para edulcorantes estevia,  y el interés de los participantes en inversiones directas en las plantaciones de estevia, que el tercer reto es  la fiabilidad en el suministro de la misma.

Además de destacar las principales preocupaciones, los resultados de la encuesta también indican que el  futuro de la industria depende de la facilitación de acceso a  información sobre el mejoramiento del  sabor, el suministro, la producción y las cuestiones socioeconómicas.

La Conferencia de las Américas del Mundo de la Estevia, organizado por CMT el 25 y 26 de febrero de 2010 en Atlanta, EEUU, presentará puntos de vista adicionales sobre estos asuntos claves identificados  en el Informe de Percepciones de la Industria Mundial de Estevia 2009.

La Conferencia además ofrecerá a los ejecutivos  de la Industria mundial de Estevia, del sector de alimentos y bebidas, y de farmacéutica, una plataforma para debatir, intercambiar ideas o esclarecer dudas sobre el uso de Estevia en sus productos.

Para un acceso inmediato al Informe de Percepciones de la Industria Mundial de Estevia 2009, visite el sitio aquí para descargar el informe sin cargo.

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In part 2 of Robert Jonsson’s detailed report of Stevia World Europe, he highlights the key learning points at the conference, and its implications for the Stevia Industry…

1. Predicting Trends in Stevia:  Simon Bentley from LMC gave a historical analysis of the life cycle of aspartame and looked into his crystal ball about what that could mean for how the stevia business could possibly unfold. It was an excellent eye opener and put things into realistic perspective for investors and marketing planners alike. As always, the biggest difficulty with forecasting is to predict the future and we can’t relay on that history repeats itself. Mr. Bentley also drew the attention to the very different market environments these two sweeteners are facing upon entry, which further complicates the assessment. Hence forecasting continues to remain a good deal of secret art. In the US market the current slack by HFCS could prove to be a boon for stevia extract in the all important soft drink segment. 

2. The Regulatory Status in Europe: From the European Commission Mr. Klepsch clarified how law and order prevails without short cuts in the European Union and the food industry like other sectors simply has to get used to it. It is finally the complicated democratic decision process between European countries, where any opposing country can slow down the decision process, which is ultimately making predictions virtually impossible. The workload at EFSA adds to the unpredictable political delays. By now stevia is however high priority and it is realistic to expect European approval even before September 2011, which is when entire EU by the latest has to take position to stevia approval again.

3. Stevia’s “Water Paradox”: American stevia pioneer Mr. James A. May demonstrated convincingly what 27 years of total dedication to stevia means.  Similarly to the German “Reinheitsgebot”- purity law for beer brewing- he is adamant about using only pure water and nothing else for stevia extraction. As in sweetener business “tasting is believing” the absence of bitterness in his extract is really thought provoking, so maybe the world of stevia is facing a “water paradox” in extraction technology.

4. Developing Standardized Methods to measure Steviol Glycosides:  The importance of a standardized and validated method for measuring steviol glycosides cannot be enough emphasized according to Dr. Geuns. Kath. Univ. Leuven. He showed convincingly and in detail how important particularly ‘Good Laboratory Practice’ is for obtaining correct and reproducible results. Validated analytical test methods are necessary for the stevia extract business to be credible and achieve long-term success.

5. Clarifying essential terminology to avoid confusion: Both Dr. Geuns and Dr. Horn (Wild Inc.) emphasized the importance of clarity of terminology to avoid creating confusion when communicating about stevia extract and its components. Hopefully industry and its organizations don’t leave it to the creativity of the boulevard press to enlighten consumers in this respect!  

6. Status Update on Stevia Quality Assurance Project: Carl Horn af Rantzien updated the audience on The European Stevia Association project status for a quality assurance label. The objective of this initiative is to protect industry and consumers against substandard and adulterated stevia extracts in an effort to build consumers trust in stevia.

7. Updates on Stevia Cultivation in Latin America: Unlike conventional high-intensity sweeteners, stevia is not manufactured in a chemical plant but comes from a cultivated plant. The historical origins of stevia are in Latin America, but like with so many other food ingredients Asia is nowadays the leading agro industrial source.  South Americans however seem determined not to leave it at that and are set to recapture their historical role as source of this natural sweetener in modern times. From Misiones Technological Park in Argentina Mr. Galian gave a taste of what is to be expected, which leaves no doubt about that there are excellent opportunities in stevia in this part of the world for serious investors.

8. Agronomic Innovations for Stevia Cultivation: Since the Indian green revolution of the 1970’s this country continues steadily to make advances in plant breeding technology in general. Ms. Suma Krishnaswami from Sun Fruits Ltd. gave an overview of where stevia technology currently stands in the quest for optimization of glycosides content of stevia leaves in the different climatic zones of India. Having the largest number of diabetics in the world, a second green revolution, -this time based on stevia, would be a welcome relief for many Indians. 

9. Innovations in Improving Stevia’s Taste Profile: For most things humans consume through the mouth the purchase decisions are made very strongly based on the taste. It is well known that no high-intensity sweetener fully matches the taste profile of the golden standard sugar, which we have been conditioned to already since childhood.

Stevia is no exception in this case, so flavor masking and sweetness enhancing technologies are vital tools for developing the full market potential of stevia extracts. Dr. Greg Horn, Wild Flavors Inc. gave an overview of the art and science of sweetening with stevia. At Wild they have engineered a whole set of tailored tools for a broad variety of applications and stevia grades. These tools help to master the formulation challenges and obtain a taste result closest possible to sugar without adverse labeling requirements. It enables the utilization of lower cost stevia grades, whilst cutting costs for instance in beverages by as much as half. 

Dr. Horn also showed how well stevia fits into the prevailing consumer trend and health situation. Health and nutrition is trendy, and consumers are demanding natural products. Overweight and obesity is a global problem and cardiovascular illness and diabetes is rampant. Mothers are concerned about sugar. Market research clearly indicates that a natural, no calorie sweetener is highly appealing to consumers and they are willing to pay more for healthier foods.

Layn Natural Ingredients (LNI) has taken a very promising approach to the taste optimization of stevia extract and we will certainly see a lot more activity along these lines in the future. As explained by Dr Alan Liao, LNI is pursuing the strategy of identifying other natural ingredients to blend with Rebaudioside A, which are able to neutralize its off-notes. After thoroughly screening a short list of over 20 candidates LNI has come to the conclusion that Luo Han Guo (LHG) extract- and juice powder shows the greatest potential in tuning the taste profile of Rebaudioside A closer to sugar. LNI is marketing their optimized, ready to use blends of Rebaudioside A 97%, LHG mogroside V and LHG juice concentrate powder under the Lovia^TM brand. Regulatory permitting, the European market is highly receptive for such natural, health promoting solutions. 

10. Stevia’s Strong Presence in Asia: Compared to some other parts of the world, Europe is rather late out with the regulatory approval for the use of stevia. Apart from Latin America where stevia originates, particularly some Asian countries like Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Thailand have commonly used stevia already for a long time. Japan is the world’s largest consumer of stevia extract, where it has some 40% of the local sweetener market. Asians are far ahead of us on the marketing learning curve and now we have to turn to them for marketing wisdom.

The foremost pioneer in stevia is considered to be Mr. Toyoshige  Morita, president of Morita Kagaku Kogoyo Co. Ltd. (MKK), who has been involved with stevia and stevia extract for over 30 years. Steviol glycosides were first commercialized as a sweetener in 1971 by MKK. With their extraordinary know-how they have meanwhile from the common Bertoni variety developed their own optimized stevia- the “Morita” variety.

In Korea the first stevia was grown in 1973 and leaves started to be exported to Japan in 1977. In 1984 regulatory approval was obtained for stevia extract. Over half of the Korean stevia consumption goes into Soju, a native Korean distilled alcoholic (20-40%) beverage, which is sweetened. This is certainly one of the more exotic large volume applications for stevia, but maybe a forthcoming high growth potential opportunity for the European vodka regions?

In Korea, Daepyung is clearly the leading stevia extract supplier and quite a significant player in the world market as well, as explained by Mr. Kevin Park, who is in charge of the overseas sales and business development. Daepyung also offers an enzymatically modified stevia grade.

11. Final Thoughts and Wrap up from Key Players in the Stevia Industry: The conference finished with a panel discussion featuring Dr. Roger Olivier, Nestlé, Dr. Jean-Luc Gelin, Firmenich and Dr. Mel Jackson VP Science at Sweet Green Fields, USA. The discussion circled around the use of stevia in sugar reduction, taste modulation and the environmentally friendly properties and socially responsible alternative which stevia cultivation offers for farmers in many parts of the world.

In short, stevia is the better sweetener alternative, actively contributing to a better world, which the Stevia World Europe conference amply highlighted in Frankfurt on 18 November.

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O Relatório de Percepções da Indústria Mundial de Estévia 2009 é um relatório grátis que relata os resultados da Pesquisa Mundial da Indústria de Estévia, que decorreu de 22 de agosto de 2009 a 22 de outubro de 2009.  As respostas da pesquisa vieram de mais de 300 representantes da indústria de estévia em mais de 70 países.

A Pesquisa Mundial da Estévia foi feita para medir as percepções sobre Estévia, e identifica a futura direção dos negócios que lidam com a Estévia.  As perguntas da pesquisa cobriram mercados, tecnologias, modelos de cultivo, falta de conhecimento, a substituição de adoçantes por Estévia, as preocupações dos consumidores, as preferências no fornecimento, controladores e limitadores de mercado, e os tipos de informações necessárias.

Segundo o Relatório de Percepções da Indústria Mundial de Estévia 2009, há um sentimento geral positivo sobre o crescimento do mercado. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que os entrevistados acreditam que o setor de comidas e bebidas vai tomar mais de 65% da quota total do mercado da Estévia. Os entrevistados também acreditam que os adoçantes de Estévia irão capturar mais de 50% do mercado do aspartame e da sucralose.

Os resultados da pesquisa revelam o gosto residual e o melhoramento do gosto da Estévia como a maior preocupação relacionada à Estévia.  Muitos entrevistados acreditam que esta preocupação pode vir a ser o fator limitante principal para o crescimento da quota de mercado da Estévia no futuro.  Segunda são as leis, com muitos participantes do estudo identificando-as como uma falta de conhecimentos fundamental. A terceira preocupação é a confiança no fornecimento, evidente pelo interesse dos entrevistados em negócios exclusivos de longo prazo para adoçantes de estévia, e até mesmo no investimento direto em plantações de estévia.

Além de destacar as principais preocupações do setor, os resultados da pesquisa também sugerem que o futuro da indústria depende de um acesso maior à informação sobre o aprimoramento do sabor, fornecimento, produção e questões sócio-econômicas.

A Conferência das Américas do Mundo de Estévia, organizada pela CMT em 25-26 fevereiro de 2010, em Atlanta, E.U.A., apresentará pontos de vista adicionais sobre as questões identificadas pelo Relatório de Percepções da Indústria Mundial de Estévia 2009.

A conferência também irá oferecer aos executivos da indústria mundial de Estévia, de alimentos e bebidas, e farmacêutica, uma plataforma para reagir, trocar idéias e esclarecer dúvidas sobre o uso de Estévia nos seus produtos.

Para acesso imediato ao Relatório de Percepções da Indústria Mundial de Estévia 2009, visite aqui onde você pode fazer o download sem custo nenhum.

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The Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009 reveals findings of the Global Stevia Industry Survey.

Dr. R Rajagopal, author of the two iconic Stevia papers “Stevia as an Alternative Sweetener” and “Stevia as a Mainstream Sweetener” has now put together the “Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009”.

The free-to-download report presents the findings of the Global Stevia Industry survey, which attracted over 300 responses from more than 70 countries, and identifies key concerns, currently held perceptions and emerging trends in the Stevia business.

Download the Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009 to find out:

• What are the Key Concerns for the Global Stevia Industry?
• What are the most critical knowledge gaps in the Stevia sector?
• How much of the sweetener market share is Stevia going to capture?
• What are the challenges that will inhibit Stevia’s growth as an industry?

… and other essential insights.

For your Instant Access to this Survey Report, simply provide your details in the form below.

The Stevia industry in for an exciting phase and the “Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009” will offer a valuable snapshot of how the Stevia Industry perceives itself.

Find out where the Stevia industry stands today! Get your free copy by filling in the form below, hitting submit and watching for our instructions on how you can download your own copy.

Here’s to your Success with Stevia & Creating a Healthier World!

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Robert Jonsson, a partner at Ingredient Marketing International, wrote a detailed report outlining his experience at Stevia World Europe. We are happy to present part 1 of this detailed report, where he outlines the highlights of the conference.

The Stevia World team of the well-known Singapore based conference organizer Centre for Management Technology (CMT) successfully launched the European version of their global Stevia World series of conferences to the food & beverage industry on November 18 in Frankfurt.

The event was a runaway success with delegates participating from not only Europe, but also virtually all parts of the world, demonstrating the attraction of the Stevia World Europe program and the immense interest in this emerging high-intensity sweetener.

After four GRAS approvals in the US early this year stevia extract has already captured 11% of the US tabletop market within the same number of months after FDA approval. This is a breathtaking pace of market penetration by any historical standards in such a competitive market segment. Should this soon repeat itself in other segments of the market, stevia extract is set to open a new chapter in the world of high intensity sweeteners. Consumers and industry alike are quickly recognizing stevia extract as being the missing link in the sweetener world between zero calories, taste and naturalness.

In Frankfurt Stevia World Europe’s comprehensive program provided delegates with a profound insight into the features and benefits of stevia extract within a one-day time frame. High caliber speakers from all over the world managed to bring a complex message across with simplicity and clarity without being superficial.

Conference chairman Mr. Angus Flood, Head Intl. Marketing at Pure Circle in his legendary freewheeling style managed to give the event an easygoing and relaxed atmosphere despite the seriousness of the topics.

The conference was honored by the presence of the three global stevia pioneers known by insiders as the “Asian Father of Stevia” Mr. Toyoshige Morita, the “American Father of Stevia” Mr. James A. May and the “European Father of Stevia” Dr. Jan Geuns.

If there would be a “Son of Stevia”, the title doubtless would to go to conference panelist Mr. Joel Perret of the GreenSweet Company who thanks to his incredible tenacity and optimism has recently prompted the French AFFSA authorities to approve stevia extract as a high-intensity sweetener. Considering the hurdles involved, this is a monumental achievement and pivotal for the advancement of stevia to finally obtain the long awaited and much deserved European wide approval.

Mr. Perret’s admirable capability in explaining complicated matters in a simple way must apparently have had a convincing effect even on French regulators. During this conference he skillfully demonstrated his art by uncovering the secrets of stevia extraction to the audience in 30 minutes.

The conference program which was tailored for the European audience provided delegates with answers to “all you wanted to know about stevia, but never had anybody to ask”. It covered market analysis, regulatory, product quality, cultivation, flavor masking & sweetness enhancement and Asian marketing experiences.

It closed with a panel discussion about the future of stevia, featuring executives from Nestlé, Firmenich, PureCircle, Sweet Green Fields and Wisdom Natural Brands.

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