| Popular Food Products Switch to Sugar; Sugar Policy Keeps Supplies Stable |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Phillip Hayes Wednesday, August 4, 2010 202-271-57(cell) From the International Sweetener Symposium: Popular Food Products Switch to Sugar; Sugar Policy Keeps Supplies Stable
VAIL, Colo.—The “natural” movement and the swelling list of foods and beverages switching from other sweeteners to sugar have remained big stories in the food industry this year, Ron Sterk, associate editor of Milling & Baking News and Food Business News, told the audience today at the 27th International Sweetener Symposium. Among the iconic brands to make the move in recent years: Hunt’s and Heinz Ketchup, Ocean Spray, Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback, Wheat Thins, Gatorade, Heritage Dr Pepper, Pillsbury’s Simply line, and Snapple. James McDonough, the head of procurement for Ocean Spray, said during the panel discussion that consumer taste was the driving force behind its decision. “Ocean Spray made the switch to sugar because it is what our customers demanded,” he said. “They want simple, natural ingredients that they recognize and feel comfortable about.” Restaurants are taking notice, too. Starbucks, for example, announced last summer that sugar would sweeten its baked goods. “Restaurants adding natural products are taking their consumers seriously and building more trust in their brand,” Maria Caranfa, an analyst at foodservice research company Mintel International Group, explained in a recent interview with QSRWeb.com. “I believe in the next two years, we'll see more companies adding sugar … in their products as consumers look to eat more natural.” Sugar producers are encouraged by the move and are confident that they can meet growing demand. “The past year was a tumultuous one on the world sugar market, with numerous countries experiencing sugar shortages. But America was largely insulated from this roller coaster thanks to U.S. sugar policy,” explained Domino Sugar CEO Brian O’Malley, who also spoke to the group today. -0-
For more information about the International Sweetener Symposium, visit www.sugaralliance.orgSymposium audio files can be downloaded at www.ASAradio.org |