Sweegen addressed the pressing issue of mislabeling within the stevia industry, specifically concerning Reb M stevia sold under false claims intentionally.
Sweegen is the primary producer of non-GMO Bestevia® Reb M, made with a proprietary clean bioconversion method. Through independent testing, the company has determined that certain third-party Reb M products sold to food and beverage companies under label claims of “Reb-M 95%,” “Bioconversion Reb-M 95%,” or “Stevia (Organic) Extract Reb-M 95%” are not made through extraction or bioconversion.
These false claims have significant implications for stakeholders, including food and beverage companies, consumers, and the stevia technology community.
Food and beverage companies are confronted with significant challenges arising from mislabeling, particularly the erosion of consumer trust and brand reputation. The authenticity of products is paramount to maintaining consumer confidence and loyalty, and any discrepancy between product labeling and actual content can significantly undermine trust. For companies that prioritize transparency and integrity, the risk of reputational damage is particularly acute if their products become associated with false claims. This underscores the critical importance of accurate labeling practices in preserving the trustworthiness of brands.
Consumers rely on accurate food labeling for making informed choices, especially when it comes to health-related decisions. False claims can lead to misjudgment, and consumers may unknowingly consume products that don't meet their dietary preferences or health needs.
Some consumers may choose products made through specific processes for environmental sustainability or naturalness. False claims undermine consumers' ability to make choices aligned with their values.
Sweegen places a high value on IP and innovation on its high-purity Bestevia Reb M made through bioconversion within the stevia technology community. The company is committed to upholding the integrity of its IP and respecting others' innovations. By and large, Sweegen is dedicated to IP protection, ensuring a fair and competitive landscape and encouraging continued advancements in sweetener technologies.
Sweegen emphasizes its patent rights, particularly regarding its Bestevia Reb M for non-alcoholic applications. The company upholds its patents and ensures that its non-GMO Bestevia Reb M innovations are appropriately recognized and protected. Sweegen believes in fostering a climate that rewards genuine advancements and respects the IP rights of all industry stakeholders.
To further enhance transparency and provide assurance to the food and beverage industry, Sweegen is extending an offer to test all Reb-M samples for authenticity. This initiative aims to assist companies in verifying the integrity of their stevia products and reinforces Sweegen's commitment to maintaining the highest stevia quality standards in the industry.
Mislabeling on purpose threatens market differentiation and creates confusion about investing in cutting-edge technologies. Innovators in the industry risk losing their competitive edge if competitors intentionally make false claims about similar products. Recognizing and rewarding genuine innovations becomes crucial in fostering a marketplace that values and encourages technological advancements. Ensuring accurate labeling practices is not only a matter of compliance but also fundamental to sustaining a fair and competitive market landscape.
Sweegen is actively investigating reports of adulterated Reb M originating from China and entering the US and EU markets directly or indirectly. The company is committed to thorough research and plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to report findings to U.S. and EU customs. Sweegen is determined to address any issues related to product authenticity and maintain the highest standards in the stevia industry.
