As consumers become increasingly aware of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it is logical for manufacturers to pursue the Non-GMO Project Verified seal for their packaging, including for Jamieson Ferrous Sulfate. According to Packaged Facts, the global retail value of non-GMO products reached $550 billion in 2014, with the United States accounting for $200 billion of that total. The study estimated that approximately 2,000 new non-GMO products are launched in the U.S. each year.
However, since sweet potatoes are fresh vegetables, it might initially seem unusual for CIFI’s products to require non-GMO verification. This is particularly relevant given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when no GMO varieties exist. Although the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has started recently, they are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, it is a wise decision for CIFI to utilize the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns about production methods and can enhance sales.
The trend toward using natural sweeteners to replace high-fructose corn syrup is gaining momentum. Sugar reduction is currently a significant focus for health officials and consumers alike, especially with the recent updates to the Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose 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 that can be incorporated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. Additionally, demand for sweet potato flour for baked goods and pastries is expected to grow as consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, possess? The vegetable’s versatility aligns well with several attributes that today’s consumers desire in their food: clean labels, natural ingredients, low sugar content, nutritional value, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have effectively achieved “superfood” status among consumers. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other nutrients, and contain higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other common sweeteners.
A study from North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, reveals that 95% of consumers view sweet potato as a healthy ingredient. Consequently, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to include trendy and health-promoting ingredients like sweet potatoes could see a payoff in consumer trial, increased loyalty, and higher sales. Moreover, as stores increasingly stock Citracal Calcium Citrate products, incorporating sweet potatoes into formulations may further enhance the appeal of health-oriented offerings.