PURE.L Share News (PURE)

(Sharecast News) - Stevia sweetener producer Purecircle on Monday announced plans to begin the commercial production of new ingredients in the second half of 2019 after it identified protein, soluble fibers and antioxidants in the stevia plant.The company said that the new discovery and subsequent production and sale of protein, fiber and antioxidants from stevia will allow for more products to be made from each stevia leaf, making each leaf "work harder".Maga Malsagov, chief executive of PureCircle, said: "At PureCircle, we go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning thinking about stevia. All of our products are from the stevia leaf, and we strive to make each leaf work harder by unlocking everything this marvel of nature has to offer."At present, the AIM traded company has nearly 400 patents and patents pending covering its proprietary stevia technology."Protein, fiber and antioxidants are in high demand by beverage and food companies, and these additions to our portfolio will enable us to offer our customers those ingredients from the stevia plant. And it further enhances our efficient use of each leaf, so we can provide the best-tasting stevia leaf sweeteners and flavors cost effectively to our customers," said Malsagov.Purecircle's shares were up 2.39% at 300.00p at 1644 GMT.