Stevia producer PureCircle has been granted more stevia-related patents than any other company in the year to April, with 15 new patents globally.
In addition, during that one-year period, it applied for 70 additional patents. It takes the number of patents held by PureCircle to 72, with more than 200 other patent applications pending. The patents relate to products and processes in the production of stevia.
The Malaysian-based company said that it ‘reflects its advanced innovation, research and development’.
‘Critics will argue PureCircle has monopolised stevia’
Critics will argue that it shows PureCircle has monopolised the stevia market, with a majority share thought to be as high as 75%. Even Tate & Lyle – possibly the best-known sugar producer – only controls 3% of that market.
PureCircle’s runaway success has allowed it to remain relatively unchallenged by smaller producers, including Tate & Lyle itself, which manufactures the Tasteva brand of stevia.
PureCircle CEO Magomet Malsagov said: “Our intellectual property, including the hundreds of patents we hold and have applied for globally – and the additional patents for which we shall apply – reflect the strength and depth of our R&D and the importance of that R&D to our success.”
Stevia is becoming an increasingly important tool in the sugar cut-back, as food and beverage companies accelerate efforts to reduce sugar and calories in their products.
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