PureCircle, Cooperativa Colonias Unidas Ink Deal

ASUNCION, ParaguayPureCircle South America SA (PCSA) and the Cooperativa Colonias Unidas signed a long-term contract on Jan. 7 for the expansion and production of proprietary varieties of high-quality stevia.

Under the agreement, the parties initially will expand a crop area of 25 hectares involving 30 partners of the Cooperative; there are ambitious plans to develop more acreage in the coming years. While the first commercial crops were implemented, a significant investment in experimental areas was made to promote better farming practices and technological improvements were made to facilitate the broad roll out of stevia with the associate producers.

Were proud to partner with Colonias Unidas, who brings a long commitment to agriculture in the region, a highly professional staff, and access to thousands of hectares with their associates for future expansion, said Fernando Chilavert, managing director of PureCircle South America.