PureCircle (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), a producer of stevia ingredients for the global food and beverage industry, recently marked the completion of a $42 million expansion of its stevia plant in Malaysia with a ceremony attended by the minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

PureCircle has a  commitment to making stevia a mainstream ingredient and is the only company that has this type and scale of production facility in the stevia industry, according to the company.  This major expansion of PureCircle’s facilities will enable the company to double its production capacity and focus on even more efficient extraction and processing from sustainably grown stevia leaf and purification for its next generation of pioneering stevia ingredients.

Innovations that have been incorporated into the new facilities include a dedicated line, specifically designed for PureCircle’s Zeta Family ingredients—these are comprised of the most sugar-like steviol glycosides, such as Reb M and Reb D, and allow for the deepest calorie reductions by food and beverage companies.

This investment will ensure that PureCircle remains at the forefront of innovation to deliver the best tasting products, at a scale that fits with the needs of global brands, as well as benefiting farmers and their communities.  The fully automated expansion in Enstek, Malaysia, will bring the employment of the full facility to almost 600 people.

“PureCircle is committed to a substantial ongoing investment program to ensure that our customers—global food and beverages brands—have year-round access to the highest quality stevia leaf extract that is consistent, sustainably grown and made from the best tasting stevia plant varieties,” said PureCircle’sGroup CEO Magomet Malsagov.

For more information, visit www.purecircle.com.