08.02.10
Representing the diversification of its supply chain, PureCircle, Oak Brook, IL, has started processing stevia leaf sourced from both Kenya and Paraguay in its stevia extract facilities in China. The company intends to start constructing stevia extract facilities in both Africa and South America as soon as current capacities are beyond 50% utilization.
The company has also entered a five-year agreement to source stevia leaf from S&W Seed Company Inc. and its subsidiary, based in Five Points, CA. In the US, the newly signed contract with S&W contains strong commercial incentives toward growing stevia in the continental U.S. on the scale required to support major North American based food and beverage manufacturers. The relationship with S&W will also provide support for PureCircle’s research and varietal development project, in conjunction with Michigan State University, focused on the next generation of steviol glycosides beyond Reb A.
The company has also entered a five-year agreement to source stevia leaf from S&W Seed Company Inc. and its subsidiary, based in Five Points, CA. In the US, the newly signed contract with S&W contains strong commercial incentives toward growing stevia in the continental U.S. on the scale required to support major North American based food and beverage manufacturers. The relationship with S&W will also provide support for PureCircle’s research and varietal development project, in conjunction with Michigan State University, focused on the next generation of steviol glycosides beyond Reb A.