As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it’s logical for manufacturers to seek the Non-GMO Project Verified seal for their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, the global retail value of non-GMO products reached $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion of that figure attributed to the United States alone. The study estimated around 2,000 new non-GMO product launches occur annually in the U.S. However, considering sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, it might seem peculiar at first that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification. This is particularly relevant since numerous 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 recently begun, they are not widely accessible yet. Nonetheless, it is astute for CIFI to utilize the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns about production, and companies are increasingly discovering that non-GMO labels can boost sales.
The demand for natural sweeteners as alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup is rapidly rising in popularity. The emphasis on sugar reduction is prominent among health officials and consumers alike, especially with the new Nutrition Facts Label requiring companies to disclose the amount of added sugars in their products. In 2015, CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients exclusively made from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes. The company’s natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional benefits that can be incorporated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. Additionally, there is a growing expectation for sweet potato flour to be used in baked goods and pastries as consumers look for alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes and, more specifically, CIFI’s sweeteners offer? The vegetable aligns with several attributes sought by today’s consumers, such as clean labels, natural ingredients, non-sugar options, nutrition, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have achieved “superfood” status among consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other nutrients, along with higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other popular sweeteners. A study from North Carolina State University, cited by CIFI, reveals that 95% of consumers view sweet potato as a healthy ingredient. Therefore, food manufacturers that successfully innovate and reformulate products to include a trendy and healthy ingredient like sweet potato could benefit from increased consumer trial, loyalty, and sales.
Additionally, the incorporation of calcium citrate and alfacalcidol tablets into sweet potato products could enhance their nutritional profile further, appealing to health-conscious consumers. By emphasizing the health benefits of sweet potatoes alongside ingredients such as calcium citrate and alfacalcidol tablets, companies can cater to the growing demand for fortified foods, creating a more compelling offering that resonates with today’s market trends.