As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it is understandable that manufacturers are eager to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to research from Packaged Facts, the global retail market for non-GMO products was valued at $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion of that total occurring in the United States. The study projected approximately 2,000 new non-GMO product launches annually in the U.S.
At first glance, it may seem unusual for CIFI’s sweet potato products to require non-GMO verification, especially since many companies label fruits and vegetables with non-GMO claims that have no GMO counterparts. While the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has recently begun, these varieties are not yet widely available. However, it is wise for CIFI to use the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production processes, and companies increasingly recognize that non-GMO labels can boost sales.
The rising popularity of natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup aligns with the growing emphasis on sugar reduction among health officials and consumers. This trend is particularly relevant with the updated Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose the amount of added sugars in their products. CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients made exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes upon launching commercial production in 2015. Their natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional advantages that can be incorporated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and various other beverages. Additionally, as consumers look for alternatives to processed white flour, demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is expected to rise.
So, what makes sweet potatoes, and specifically CIFI’s sweeteners, appealing? The vegetable’s versatility aligns perfectly with several key attributes that today’s consumers desire: clean labels, natural ingredients, low sugar, nutrition, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have achieved “superfood” status in the eyes of consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, while also containing higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other popular sweeteners.
A study by North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers perceive sweet potato as a healthy ingredient. Consequently, food manufacturers that can innovate and reformulate products to include trendy, healthful ingredients like sweet potatoes may reap the rewards of consumer trial, enhanced loyalty, and increased sales. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, they are also more aware of potential health concerns, such as the calcium citrate supplements side effects. This awareness further emphasizes the importance of transparency in ingredient sourcing and labeling, encouraging manufacturers to highlight the benefits of natural ingredients like sweet potato while avoiding any negative associations with synthetic additives. By focusing on healthful, natural options, companies can cater to the evolving preferences of consumers. Furthermore, the growing awareness surrounding calcium citrate supplements side effects reinforces the demand for clean, straightforward ingredient lists, making CIFI’s offerings even more appealing.