PURE.L Share News (PURE)

(Sharecast News) - Purecirle, the manufacturer of plant-based sweetener stevia, has increased production as health-conscious consumers and the UK's sugar tax drive demand, the company said on Tuesday.Over the first six months of the year new product launches containing stevia rose by 27% at a global level, with a third of new foods and beverages that launched with high-intensity sweeteners containing stevia, almost double the proportion in the first half of 2012.The company said that, as well as expanding production for Reb D and Reb M sweeteners, the company is has begun working with farmers in North Carolina to expand its global network of growers.A statement from the company said: "The story of stevia is evolving. Not long ago, it was viewed as a plant-based, zero-calorie, single-ingredient sweetener which worked well in some beverage and food applications. Today we offer a range of stevia leaf sweetener ingredients, including Reb M, with sugar-like taste and zero calories."Stevia now outpaces aspartame which now is now used in just 22% of newly launched products as opposed to the 36% of new products in the equivalent period in 2012."Food and beverage companies have an increasing need for just such an ingredient, because consumers, health experts and governments have become increasingly concerned about obesity and diabetes, and consumers have become increasingly health and wellness conscious," said Purecircle.Major companies to release products containing the Purecircle's sweetener in the first half of the year include Calbee Foods, The Coca-Cola Co, Danone, Grupo Bimbo, Kraft Heinz, Nestle, PepsiCo and Unilever.Purecircle's shares were up 3.42% at 333.00p at 1548 BST.