Ingredient suppliers are stepping up to offer bakers and snack manufacturers a variety of sweeteners to match consumer preferences, from traditional sugar to modern formulations.
Strong crop performance and support from grower partners are prompting stevia extract producer Sweet Green Fields of Bellingham, Wash., to expand its stevia crop in the Southeast.
Truvia, a Cargill brand, will expand its global presence throughout North America in early 2013 through an exclusive distribution with Grupo Herdez in Mexico and market openings in Canada.
The number of product launches tracked by Innova Market Insights so far in 2012 containing one or more natural sweeteners including agave syrup/nectar, palm sugar, Stevia and monk fruit has more than tripled compared to the same time frame in 2009.
All-natural, zero-calorie sweeteners are being hailed as ‘Holy Grails of the food industry’ and ingredients that could fight obesity, says a report by market research group Euromonitor.
Here’s hoping Wholesome Sweeteners doesn’t lose its namesake principals now that it’s been acquired by an investment firm. The company — known for its organic and Fair-Trade-certified sweeteners — has been acquired by food and agriculture investment firm Arlon Group, in partnership with Edward Billington & Son Ltd.
There’s a lot of sweetening going on; and it’s involving sugar a lot less of the time. As readers have undoubtedly discovered, media buzz regarding sugar hasn’t been positive during the past year.
