Jul 27 2010 --- British Sugar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PureCircle Limited, the global leader in the production of high purity Stevia products.

With this agreement, British Sugar and PureCircle will work on developing and marketing a range of products that combine the natural benefits of both sugar and Stevia to meet the food and beverage industries’ requirements for reduced calorie natural sweet applications. The MOU is intended to result in a definitive sales and marketing agreement for a range of combined sugar-Stevia and pure Stevia products.

Both British Sugar and PureCircle have established track records in developing proprietary technologies tied to natural, sweet products and both partners view this agreement as an important vehicle for growth.

Mark Carr, Chief Executive of British Sugar Group, said:
"We are delighted with our agreement with PureCircle, the global leader in providing high purity Stevia products. We look forward to working together to develop a range of products that can provide an attractive proposition for customers seeking lower calorie, natural sweetening solutions. This agreement complements British Sugar’s core sugar business and enhances its product portfolio and growth opportunities."

Magomet Malsagov, CEO & President of PureCircle Limited, commented:
"We know that our global customers want naturally reduced calorie sweetener options provided to them around the world to complement their existing sugar options. When we were looking for global partners, British Sugar was the stand out choice across all measures in its core markets. As we work together it is clear that there is a strong alignment in how we see the sweetener market developing."