As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their food, it is understandable that manufacturers are eager to feature the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their products. According to Packaged Facts, the global retail value of non-GMO products reached $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion generated in the United States alone. The study estimated that approximately 2,000 new non-GMO product launches occur annually in the U.S. However, since sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, it may initially seem unusual for CIFI’s products to require non-GMO verification. This is particularly pertinent given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when there are no GMO varieties available. Although the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has only recently begun, they are not yet widely accessible. Nevertheless, it is wise for CIFI to adopt the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production, and many companies find that non-GMO labels can boost sales.
The trend of using natural sweeteners to replace high-fructose corn syrup is rapidly gaining traction. Sugar reduction is a hot topic among health officials and consumers alike, especially with the latest Nutrition Facts Label requiring companies to disclose added sugar content 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 advantages that can be incorporated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages, among various products. There is also an anticipated rise in demand for sweet potato flour, particularly for baked goods and pastries, as consumers increasingly seek alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable aligns perfectly with several attributes that contemporary consumers desire in their food: clean label, natural, non-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have achieved “superfood” status among consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, while also providing higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium than many popular sweeteners. In fact, a study conducted by North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers view sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. As a result, food manufacturers that successfully innovate and reformulate their products to include trendy, healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes may reap the benefits of increased consumer trials, loyalty, and sales. Furthermore, incorporating ingredients like Citracal calcium can enhance the nutritional profile of these products, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking a wholesome option.