Stevia First Succeeds in Steviol Glycosides Enhancement

SACRAMENTO, Calif.Stevia First Corporation  announced its successful implementation of fermentation-based methods for directed enhancement of steviol glycosides from less marketable steviol glycosides.

As part of its "Beyond Reb A" research program, this work within the stevia industry is aimed at producing not only Reb A through fermentation-based methods, but also Reb D and Reb X, which have been identified by major multinational companies as the next-generation of stevia sweeteners.

Currently, the development of fermentation technologies devoted to production of stevia extract is the primary focus and a key value driver for the company.

Stevia First has demonstrated through use of fermentation technologies that it can produce desirable and high-value steviol glycosides from others that may be lower-cost, more abundant, and currently perceived as byproducts.

There are more than 30 different steviol glycosides found within the stevia leaf, including Reb A, the acknowledged current market leader due to its abundant sweetness and relative lack of bitterness, and next-generation sweeteners such as Reb D and Reb X, which may have superior taste profiles but which are found in much lower quantities within the stevia leaf. Because the most desirable steviol glycosides are rare within the stevia leaf, fermentation processes may have attractive commercial advantages for mass production. Using fermentation technologies, Stevia First may soon be able to quickly and reliably produce a variety of next-generation stevia sweeteners in an on-demand fashion and that could be further tailored to changing consumer demands for stevia.

"Using fermentation technologies to enhance stevia extracts in a manner similar to what we have already demonstrated may be critical for production of the most desirable next-generation stevia sweeteners. Recent industry news validates the strategic importance of our stevia production platform and 'Beyond Reb A' program, which we continue to refine and secure in preparation for commercial deployment," Robert Brooke, CEO said.

Products containing stevia continue to increase globally jumping 158% between 2011 and 2012.