“Capitalizing on Consumer Trends: The Rise of Non-GMO Sweet Potato Products and Their Health Benefits”
As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms in food products, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are eager to feature the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. Packaged Facts reports that non-GMO products boasted a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with around $200 billion of that occurring in the United States. The study also estimated approximately 2,000 new non-GMO product launches in the U.S. each year.
However, sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, making it somewhat puzzling to consider that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification. This is particularly relevant given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO despite the absence of GMO varieties. Although the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has only recently begun, they are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, CIFI’s decision to adopt the non-GMO label is astute, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production and has been shown to enhance sales.
The popularity of natural sweeteners as alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup is on the rise. Sugar reduction is a focal point for health officials and consumers, especially with the latest Nutrition Facts Label requiring companies to disclose added sugars in their products. In 2015, CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients sourced exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes. The company’s natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional benefits suitable for barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and various other beverages. Additionally, there’s an anticipated increase in demand for sweet potato flour as consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour in baked goods and pastries.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable aligns with several attributes contemporary consumers desire in their diets: clean label, natural, non-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have indeed achieved “superfood” status among consumers. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, and they provide higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium than many popular sweeteners, such as Solgar liquid calcium.
A study from North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, reveals that 95% of consumers perceive sweet potato as a healthy ingredient. As a result, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to incorporate trendy, healthy ingredients like sweet potato could reap the rewards of increased consumer trials, loyalty, and sales. Moreover, integrating sweet potato into formulations that include healthful elements like Solgar liquid calcium can further enhance the appeal of products in a health-conscious market.
