As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it’s not surprising that manufacturers are eager to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. Packaged Facts reported that non-GMO products had a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion of that total attributed to the United States. The study estimated around 2,000 new non-GMO product launches occur annually in the U.S. However, it may initially seem odd to consider that CIFI’s sweet potato products require non-GMO verification, particularly since many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when no GMO varieties exist. While commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has recently begun, they are not yet widely available. Nonetheless, CIFI’s decision to use the non-GMO label is a smart move; it answers consumer concerns regarding production and has been shown to enhance sales for many companies.
The rising popularity of natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is noteworthy. Sugar reduction is a hot topic among health officials and consumers, especially with the new Nutrition Facts Label requiring the disclosure of added sugars in products. In 2015, CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients made exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes. Their natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional benefits that can be incorporated into various products, including barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. As consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour, the demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is also expected to rise.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, and specifically CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? These vegetables align well with several attributes that today’s consumers prioritize in their food choices: clean labels, natural ingredients, low sugar content, nutrition, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have effectively achieved “superfood” status in the eyes of consumers. They are rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and boast higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium than many popular sweeteners. Notably, a study from North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers view sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. Therefore, food manufacturers who innovate and reformulate products to incorporate a trendy, healthy ingredient like sweet potato could reap the rewards of increased consumer trial, loyalty, and sales.
Additionally, integrating ingredients such as swisse calcium citrate can further enhance the nutritional profile of these products. By focusing on the health benefits of sweet potatoes and incorporating swisse calcium citrate, manufacturers can appeal to health-conscious consumers even more effectively. In summary, the combination of sweet potatoes and swisse calcium citrate positions CIFI’s offerings as a modern, nutritious choice in the marketplace, aligning perfectly with consumer trends towards health and wellness.