As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it is no surprise that manufacturers are eager to feature 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 study estimated that approximately 2,000 new non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S.
However, sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, which makes it somewhat surprising to consider the need for CIFI’s products to be non-GMO verified. This is particularly relevant as many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when there are no GMO varieties available. Although commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has recently begun, they are not yet widely distributed. Nevertheless, it is a wise move for CIFI to adopt the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns about production practices, and companies are discovering that non-GMO labels can enhance sales.
The trend of using natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is gaining momentum. Health officials and consumers alike are emphasizing sugar reduction, particularly with the implementation of the updated Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates companies to 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. The company’s natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional benefits that can be incorporated into a range of products, including 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 look for alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, and particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, hold? The vegetable’s potential for incorporation into various products aligns perfectly with several attributes that today’s consumers seek: clean label, natural, low-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have essentially achieved “superfood” status among consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, while also boasting higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium than many other popular sweeteners.
According to a study by North Carolina State University referenced by CIFI, 95% of consumers view sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. Thus, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to include trendy, healthful ingredients like sweet potatoes could reap the rewards of increased consumer trials, loyalty, and sales. Moreover, with the rising interest in calcium supplementation, targeting calcium citrate through sweet potato-based products could further enhance their appeal in the health-conscious market.