As consumers increasingly focus on the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are eager to include the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, the global retail value of non-GMO products reached $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion of that total occurring in the United States. The report estimates approximately 2,000 new non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S.
Although sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, it may initially seem odd that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification, especially since many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when no GMO varieties exist. While the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has only recently begun, they are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, utilizing the non-GMO label is a wise move for CIFI, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production practices and has been shown to boost sales for companies.
The popularity of natural sweeteners as alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup is on the rise. Sugar reduction is a critical focus for health officials and consumers, particularly with the recent updates to the Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose added sugar content 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 seamlessly integrated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. The demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is anticipated to grow as consumers look for alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? Sweet potatoes are well-aligned with the attributes modern consumers desire: clean labels, natural ingredients, low sugar, nutrition, transparency, and sustainability. They have effectively achieved “superfood” status among consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and various nutrients, while also containing higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other sweeteners.
A study from North Carolina State University, as referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers regard sweet potato as a healthy ingredient. Therefore, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to incorporate a trendy, health-conscious ingredient like sweet potato could reap benefits, including increased consumer trials, greater loyalty, and enhanced sales. Additionally, as health-conscious consumers look for options like Swanson calcium, products enriched with nutrient-dense ingredients such as sweet potatoes can further appeal to this market segment. By leveraging the benefits of sweet potatoes and promoting key nutrients, including Swanson calcium, CIFI is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of today’s health-focused consumers.