SINGAPORE–Stevia industry representatives are most concerned with aftertaste, regulations and supply reliability within the stevia market, according to a two-month long Global Stevia Survey. More than 300 responders participated in the Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009, released as a prelude to upcoming Stevia World Americas conference in Atlanta on Feb. 25 to 26, 2010.
Findings revealed after-taste and improving Stevia’s taste profile as the top Stevia-related concerns. Many survey respondents believe this concern can emerge as a number one limiting factor for Stevia’s market growth in the future. Next in line is regulations, with many survey participants identifying it as a key knowledge gap. The third highest concern is supply reliability, evident from the respondents’ interest in exclusive long-term deals for stevia sweeteners, and even direct investment in stevia plantations.
Responders also reported overall positive feelings about market growth; they believe the food and beverage sector will occupy more than 65 percent of the total Stevia market share, and Stevia sweeteners will capture more than 50 percent of Aspartame and Sucralose’s market shares.
Besides highlighting key concerns in the sector, the survey findings also suggest the future of this industry is dependent on greater access to information on flavor-enhancements, supply chain, production and socio-economic issues.
The Global Stevia Industry survey was designed to measure perceptions about Stevia, and identifies future direction of the Stevia business. Survey questions covered markets, technologies, cultivation models, knowledge gaps, substitution of sweeteners by Stevia, consumers’ concerns, sourcing preferences, market drivers and limiters and types of information needed.
The Global Stevia Industry Perceptions Report 2009 is a free-to-download paper that reports findings of the Global Stevia Industry Survey that ran from Aug. 22, 2009 to Oct. 22, 2009. Survey responses came from more than 70 countries.