At the recently concluded Stevia World Americas conference in Atlanta, SPINS’ VP of Business Development Michael Movitz presented findings from the “Stevia and Other Natural Sweeteners” report, which was co-produced by SPINS and Mintel. The presentation was highly rated by participants for its latest market update and consumer insights.

What was apparent from Mr. Movitz’s presentation is that Stevia Sweeteners are headed for the mainstream as a natural, no-calorie sweetener, mainly due to consumer preferences for natural alternatives to artificial low calorie sweeteners.

The report predicts that the stevia industry will grow to $2 billion by the end of 2011, up from $21 million in 2008. The report also highlighted interesting data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), which tracked over 2000 new stevia sweetened products launched globally between 2004-2008. The research also showed that consumers are already aware of Stevia as a sweetener, and that there are plenty of growth opportunities.

To access essential Stevia market data, and explore the evolving profile of the growing market, tune into our recording of Michael Movitz’s presentation. Just submit the form below, and watch out for our email with instructions to access the recording:

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 hisreflections 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.

11 Mar, 2010