PureCircle Aims To Strengthen Position In Stevia Industry

SEREMBAN (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia), March 3 (Bernama) -- PureCircle aims to strengthen its position in the stevia industry with the completion of its expanded plant in Bandar Enstek township, in Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan state. The company is the world's leading producer of high-purity stevia ingredients for the global food and beverage industry. Chairman Paul Selway-Swift said the company has targeted a turnover of US$500 million over the next three to five years. "We have confidence in our business and the future of stevia. "With the expansion (plant), we are ready for this growth and it is a step into the future for us," he told the media after the opening ceremony of the expanded plant here Thursday. The plant was officiated by Malaysia's Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili. Meanwhile, PureCircle's Chief Executive Officer Magomet Malsagov said the major expansion of facilities would enable the company to double production capacity and focus on an even more efficient extraction, processing of sustainably grown stevia leaf and purification. "PureCircle is committed to a substantial ongoing investment programme to ensure that our customers, global food and beverages brands, have year-round access to the highest quality stevia leaf extract that is consistent, sustainably grown and made from the best tasting plant varieties. "The expansion of our extraction and processing operations will benefit not only of our customers but also our employees, the farmers and communities we work with, and our end consumers around the world," he added. PureCircle has invested US$41.56 million (RM185 million) for the plant expansion and it is equipped with new facilities that are fully automated. Innovations that have been incorporated include a dedicated line, specifically designed for PureCircle's Zeta Family ingredients that comprise the most sugar-like steviol glycosides, such as Reb M and Reb D, and allow for the deepest calorie reductions by food and beverage companies. The fully automated expansion will bring employment at the full facility to almost 600. PureCircle has offices around the world with the headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The business was founded in 2002 and its shares are listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. --BERNAMA