Weekly Roundup: PureCircle “breakthrough” develops use of a new stevia leaf variety, Pukka Herbs launches herbal lattes

08 Nov 2019 --- This week in ingredients news, PureCircle announced that its new stevia leaf variety could provide “significant advantages compared to previous generations of stevia plants.” Pukka Herbs has brought another herbal product to the shelves, Pukka Organic Lattes, which combine both adaptogens and functional herbs, to provide support for busy lifestyles. First Milk announced a consultation on the proposed intention to close its Campbeltown Creamery in Scotland and K+S KALI GmbH and esco - european salt company GmbH & Co. KG have merged into one company under the new name of K+S Minerals and Agriculture GmbH.

In brief: New ingredients and launches
PureCircle has developed and is now expanding the use of a new stevia leaf variety, which the company says will provide significant advantages compared to previous generations of stevia plants. Cultivated by PureCircle and field-tested, this new stevia varietal yields more substantial quantities of next-generation stevia ingredients. This breakthrough – increasing the effective yield of PureCircle’s stevia plants – enhances the company’s production efficiency and even further improves its ability to deliver a sustainable supply of these next-generation stevia leaf ingredients to food and beverage companies. With that higher yield, this new stevia variety – the result of the company’s expertise in stevia innovation and agronomy – provides further cost-effectiveness as more significant quantities of ingredients can be sourced from each leaf. PureCircle’s innovation strength has led to its securing 200 patents globally related to stevia. This year, 20 percent of PureCircle’s stevia plants were comprised of this new variety, and the company plans to switch 90 percent of its stevia crop to this variety in 2020.

Pukka Organic Lattes come in three varieties: Cacao Maca Majesty, Night Time and Turmeric Glow (pictured).International producer of organic herbal teas and supplements, Pukka Herbs has brought another herbal product to the shelves. Rich and velvety, Pukka Organic Lattes combine adaptogens and functional herbs in convenient and delicious blends, says the brand. Pukka Organic Lattes come in three varieties: Cacao Maca Majesty, Night Time and Turmeric Glow. Each Pukka latte blend has been formulated using the highest quality herbs. The medicinal grade herbs provide support for busy lifestyles, be it for energy, adapting to stress, or calming before bed.

In brief: Business announcements
First Milk has announced a consultation on the proposed intention to close its Campbeltown Creamery in Scotland, putting 14 jobs at risk. The Campbeltown Creamery was put up for sale last April when First Milk announced that it was not core to its business strategy. Despite significant effort over the last 18 months, it has not been possible to conclude the sale of the Campbeltown Creamery, notes the dairy cooperative. Shelagh Hancock, Chief Executive, says: “We fully appreciate that this decision has significant consequences for colleagues at the Creamery and the local community. Still, we must act in the best interest of the wider business and our farmer members and continue with the solid progress we have made in strengthening and developing First Milk.”

The subsidiaries K+S KALI GmbH and esco - european salt company GmbH & Co. KG have been merged into one company under the new name of K+S Minerals and Agriculture GmbH. K+S already merged its disposal and logistics activities into K+S KALI GmbH in July. By bundling all potash, salt, waste disposal and transportation activities within Germany in a single company, K+S can more easily achieve a wide range of synergies in production, engineering, and logistics to meet customer demand even better. K+S Minerals and Agriculture GmbH were entered in the commercial register on October 31, 2019. 

In brief: Miscellaneous
Azelis has appointed Dr. Heli Kilpala as Group Strategy & Digitalization Director, effective November 1. As a direct report to the CEO, the Group Strategy & Digitalization Director will work closely with the members of the ExCom and other business leaders to drive and evolve medium- to long-term regional and market segment strategies. Furthermore, Dr. Kilpala will be responsible for the design and implementation of the company’s digital roadmap, leading the development of digital products and services together with the business.The makers of Square One Organic Spirits have been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization-DC.

Having pioneered the concept of organic and botanical spirits almost 15 years ago, the makers of Square One Organic Spirits have been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization-DC, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC’s national standard of certification implemented by the Women’s President’s Educational Organization-DC, is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women. By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.

By Elizabeth Green