Stevia Position Paper Pinpoints 7 upcoming challenges arising from the growing stevia business.

Sept. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- The global Stevia market, has seen intense activity through 2009, following the FDA’s letter of no objection to GRAS,  in December 2008, which allowed the use of Rebaudioside A of 95% purity and above in food and beverages.

Despite the potential, the Stevia business faces 7 major challenges, according to a new position paper released in view of the upcoming Stevia World Europe summit.  Authored by Knowgenix, the paper is available at www.steviaworldforum.com as a complimentary download.

The position paper entitled, “Stevia as a Mainstream Sweetener! Emerging Sustainability & Market Challenges”, is a follow up to Knowgenix’s highly successful Stevia position paper released early this year, and discusses the key drivers of the Stevia business, the need to address emerging industry challenges, and the future of the Stevia industry.

Some of the challenges discussed in the paper include:

-Supply reliability of high quality stevia leaves ( > 90% Stevioside content)
-Competitive cost structure for upstream, mid stream extraction and downstream production
-Shifts in regional taste preferences
-Complexities in managing supply chain

… plus many more…

The key issues explored in “Stevia as a Mainstream Sweetener! Emerging Sustainability & Market Challenges” form the key focus of the timely global stevia industry forum, Stevia World Europe, which meets in Frankfurt on 18 November 2009.

Stevia World Europe is the first European stevia conference that convenes after France approved stevia in September 2009, and will see participation from Stevia buyers, sellers, regulators & F&B Executives.

In-depth discussions at the conference will center on the latest regulations, products, technologies, tools, techniques, and services in the Stevia Value Chain, with insights from leading Stevia producers including PureCircle, Blue California, Greensweet SAS, Morita Kagaku Kogyo Co. The European Commission and European Stevia Association (EUSTAS) will also provide essential updates on the status of Stevia’s regulatory approval in the EU, and Symrise and Coca-Cola will address flavor masking.

The conference is supported by leading stevia industry associations including the European Stevia Association (EUSTAS), the Japan Stevia Association, the Paraguay Stevia Chamber and the American Botanical Council.

Visit www.steviaworldforum.com for immediate access to the “Stevia as a Mainstream Sweetener! Emerging Sustainability & Market Challenges” paper. Contact Ms. Jaime at +65 6346 9145 for more information on participation, sponsorship or media exchange opportunities at Stevia World Europe.

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About Stevia World Europe:
Stevia World Europe convenes in Frankfurt on 18 November 2009 as the stevia industry prepares for wider take-up in Europe. This event, a follow up to Stevia World 2009, presents updates on the latest regulations, products, technologies, tools, techniques, and services in the Stevia Value Chain. Held in conjunction with a major food ingredients expo in Frankfurt, Stevia World Europe will see participation from Stevia buyers, sellers, regulators & F&B Executives. Leading stevia industry associations and advocacy groups including the European Stevia Association (EUSTAS), the Japan Stevia Association, the Paraguay Stevia Chamber and the American Botanical Council are supporting the conference.