CIC introduces Stevia by PureCircle

CIC's Industrial Solutions Division is the sole agent for Stevia provided by PureCircle, a major provider of natural sweeteners to the global food and beverage industry.

Stevia, a naturally sourced, zero-calorie sweetener, has been used as a natural sugar substitute and flavouring ingredient for hundreds of years. CIC supplies this natural sweetener to food and beverage manufacturers across the country.

The stevia plant is native to South America and was first consumed there over 200 years ago. The leaves, often called 'sweet herb', were dried and the indigenous people used to sweeten teas and medicines or were simply chewed on as a sweet treat.

Stevia plants are grown and harvested in many countries, predominantly in China and Brazil. The plants grow 2-4 feet in height with slim, branched stems and thrive in temperate and some tropical regions.

Stevia is grown by natural, conventional plant breeding methods such as cross-pollination and other non-genetically modified processes.

General Manager, Industrial Solutions Division, CIC Holdings, Thushara Yatigammana said, "The Stevia ingredient by PureCircle which we supply to local industries and markets, provides the public with numerous health benefits.

Stevia in its pure form is non-caloric and doesn't affect glucose levels, an advantage for patients suffering from diabetics and hypoglaecemia. Unlike artificial sweeteners, quality Stevia has little aftertaste when measured properly."

Business Development Manager, Industrial Solutions Division, CIC Holdings, Nuwan Abayagunasekera said, "Food scientists continuously try to explore new ways of using Stevia-based sweeteners. Stevia leaf extracts are used in soft drinks, canned fruit and jams, ice cream and other dairy products, cakes and desserts and alcoholic beverages."