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*Cumberland Packing Corp is launching a 100% natural, zero-calorie sweetener in a green packet called Stevia Extract In The Raw. *

Already available in national supermarket chains such as Meijers, A&P and many others, high consumer interest has resulted in exceptional, early sales.

Relatively new to American consumers, stevia extract is derived from the leafy green foliage of the stevia plant, native to South America, and used indigenously as a sweetener for over 400 years. It has also been vastly popular in Japan for over 30 years and commands just over 40% of the sugar substitute market there.

What's different now is the new extract is 99% pure, meaning the previous licorice like aftertaste associated with its predecessors has all but been eliminated. All that's left is the natural sweetness of the Stevia leaf without any calories.

"Stevia Extract In The Raw is only the second addition to what we hope will be a growing 'In The Raw' family of products," explained Jeff Eisenstadt, President and CEO of Cumberland Packing Corp.

"Like our 'Sugar In The Raw' flagship brand did 20 years ago, Stevia In The Raw is breaking new ground in the natural foods market as a cutting edge, 100% natural sweetener. Our 'In The Raw' customers can now enjoy two of the best natural sweeteners on the market."

Jeff continued, "We're using the term 'Get Raw' to describe a new state of mind already very prevalent with our customer base. 'Getting Raw' means getting natural – getting back to basics and doing the right thing for your body, the environment and the people around you. It's a powerful idea that we hope to incorporate with charitable programs that will make a difference in this regard."