Mexico’s COFEPRIS approves next gen stevia use

By Stephen Daniells

- Last updated on GMT

The global stevia market is expected to grow by 8.5% year-on-year and is forecast to be worth US$ 565.2 million by 2020, according to Future Market Insights. Image © Getty Images / HandmadePictures
The global stevia market is expected to grow by 8.5% year-on-year and is forecast to be worth US$ 565.2 million by 2020, according to Future Market Insights. Image © Getty Images / HandmadePictures

Related tags Stevia

Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS), led by Julio Sánchez y Tepoz, has approved SweeGen's next-generation Reb M sweetener for use in food and beverage categories already approved for steviol glycosides.

The approval followed a review of the composition and manufacturing process of SweeGen's Reb M stevia leaf sweetener,​ with documentation submitted to the organization earlier this year.

Reb M stevia leaf sweetener brings a clean sweetness from the stevia leaf, a great sugar-like taste and no bitter aftertaste. It can be used in a variety of applications such as beverages, dairy, bakery, table-top sweeteners, confectionary as well as nutritional food and beverages.

“We are excited to introduce our non-GMO Reb M stevia leaf sweetener to food and beverage manufacturers in Mexico,” ​said Katharina Pueller, director, natural sweetener business of SweeGen. “Consumer demand for zero- and reduced sugar products is on the rise globally, and our Reb M stevia leaf sweetener provides a solution that helps reduce sugar without sacrificing taste.”

Distribution

Ingredion International is the exclusive global distributor in all markets for SweeGen's ingredients, excluding SweeGen's house accounts and in the People's Republic of China where it is a non-exclusive distributor.

Oscar Gutierrez, senior global director, sweetness innovation, Ingredion, commented: “Now beverage and food manufacturers in Mexico can reduce sugar using our Reb M sweetener derived from the stevia leaf.

“We are excited to commercialize Reb M in Mexico, and SweeGen and Ingredion will continue our joint efforts to gain regulatory approvals in other regions.”

Related topics R&D

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