As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their food, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are eager to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to research from Packaged Facts, non-GMO products had a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion coming from the United States alone. The study projected around 2,000 new non-GMO product launches annually in the U.S.
However, sweet potatoes are fresh vegetables, which makes it somewhat surprising that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification. This is particularly notable since many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when there are no GMO varieties available. While the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has only recently begun, they are not yet widely accessible. Nevertheless, CIFI’s decision to utilize the non-GMO label is wise; it addresses consumer concerns about production methods, and companies increasingly find that non-GMO labels can boost sales.
The demand for natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is rapidly rising. The emphasis on reducing sugar has garnered attention from health officials and consumers, especially with the recent updates to the Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose the amount of added sugars in their products. In 2015, CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients made exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes. Their natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional benefits suitable for barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. Additionally, the demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is anticipated to rise as consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? These vegetables align perfectly with several attributes that today’s consumers desire in their food: clean labels, natural ingredients, low sugar, high nutritional value, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have effectively achieved “superfood” status among consumers. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and various nutrients, with higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other popular sweeteners.
A study conducted by North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, revealed that 95% of consumers view sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. As a result, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to include trendy, nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes could reap benefits in consumer trial, loyalty, and increased sales. Furthermore, incorporating nutracare cal mag citrate into sweet potato products could enhance their health appeal, making them even more attractive to health-conscious consumers. By leveraging the natural advantages of sweet potatoes along with nutracare cal mag citrate, CIFI is well-positioned to capitalize on current market trends.