PureCircle builds new stevia processing plant in Malaysia

PureCircle plans to build a new stevia processing plant to double the capacity for the stevia leaf extract and a specific line for the Zeta family of ingredients which contain steviol glycosides which produce the most sugar-like taste.

The plant will allow PureCircle to increase its stevia leaf extract production by 50 percent.

"We are extremely excited about bringing this new plant online because the demand for stevia has increased dramatically over the last six years," PureCircle's Chief Commercial Officer Jason Hecker said. "More specifically, the demand for PureCircle's Zeta ingredients has grown exponentially. This plant will allow us to support the stevia industry in a way that is unmatched by other suppliers. The output ensures that our customers will have a steady supply of sustainable stevia and will be able to formulate their products with the best tasting stevia in the marketplace."

The expansion is expected to cost $42 million and will be online by early 2017. It will be located in Malaysia with PureCircle’s Corporate Offices.

"We are really proud of our supply chain and how we've been able to maintain it in a way that benefits farmers, our customers and the environment," Bob Compier, PureCircle's vice president of group operations, said. "This new state-of-the-art facility really helps to bring our agronomy program and supply chain plans full circle. We can create the largest, natural supply of stevia leaf extract through our efforts with farmers and have the production plans in place to bring that supply to our customers in a timely manner to further their success."