01.12.15
The Specialty Food Association has named Wisdom Natural Brandsfounder and CEO James A. May as a winner in the Vision category of its third annual Leadership Awards. The association’s awards honor members who have gone “above and beyond” in advancing food standards by creating social, economic and environmental impact through innovation and vision.
Known as the “Father of Stevia,” Mr. May was the first to bring stevia leaves to the United States in 1982. Taking a leap of faith and leaving his position as a healthcare executive, he pursued his vision to bring stevia to the forefront as a natural, better-for-you sweetener.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be receiving this award from the Specialty Food Association,” said Mr. May. “More than anything, I am grateful our SweetLeaf Stevia products continue to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives all over the world.”
Mr. May was integral in helping lift the previous FDA ban on importing stevia by meeting with Congress and senators in 1995. His Gilbert, AZ-basedbrand, SweetLeaf Stevia, was the first to receive GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from FDA in 2008.
Known as the “Father of Stevia,” Mr. May was the first to bring stevia leaves to the United States in 1982. Taking a leap of faith and leaving his position as a healthcare executive, he pursued his vision to bring stevia to the forefront as a natural, better-for-you sweetener.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be receiving this award from the Specialty Food Association,” said Mr. May. “More than anything, I am grateful our SweetLeaf Stevia products continue to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives all over the world.”
Mr. May was integral in helping lift the previous FDA ban on importing stevia by meeting with Congress and senators in 1995. His Gilbert, AZ-basedbrand, SweetLeaf Stevia, was the first to receive GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from FDA in 2008.