As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms in food products, it is no surprise that manufacturers are eager to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, the global retail market for non-GMO products was valued at $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion attributed to the United States. The study estimates around 2,000 new non-GMO product launches occurring annually in the U.S. However, sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, making it seem somewhat unusual for CIFI’s products to require non-GMO verification. This is particularly relevant given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO despite the absence of genetically modified varieties. While the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has recently commenced, they are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, it is prudent for CIFI to utilize the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production, and companies increasingly discover that non-GMO labeling can enhance sales.
The rising popularity of natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is noteworthy. Sugar reduction has become a focal point for health officials and consumers, especially with the implementation of the updated Nutrition Facts Label, which requires companies to disclose added sugar amounts 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 suitable for integration into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and various other products. The demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is also projected to rise as consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable’s versatility aligns perfectly with several attributes that modern consumers desire in their food: clean label, natural, non-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have undeniably attained “superfood” status among consumers. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, boasting higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium than many other popular sweeteners. A study conducted by North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, indicates that 95% of consumers regard sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. Therefore, food manufacturers that successfully innovate and reformulate their products to incorporate trendy, healthful ingredients like sweet potatoes may be rewarded with increased consumer trials, loyalty, and sales.
In addition, the interest in calcium citrate over the counter has been growing among consumers looking for ways to enhance their dietary intake. By combining sweet potatoes with supplements like calcium citrate, brands could further capitalize on health trends, offering products that not only taste good but also promote nutritional benefits. This synergy could lead to even greater market opportunities for companies willing to adapt and evolve in response to consumer preferences.