Hallo all!
On 06-09-2009, ashagl wrote:
This suggests that despite decades of experience in growing, extracting and marketing stevia, it's got itself a bad name. The invitation from ashagl to "Try it for yourself and taste the difference!!!!" will probably need to be extended very widely - and at some expense - before consumers change their minds.
If it's as good as Biosweet Ventures claim, the new Reb-A product may then be able to compete head-to-head with sugar - but only if consumers perceive enough added value in switching. That suggests that consumers would need to believe:
An assured supply chain is also necessary; yet it seems that all the aspiring stevia smallholders on this site don't have access to reliable information that can assure them that the venture would be worthwhile. Vague promises of profitability are not enough. In the end, if stevia culture has an image problem among growers, that may make questions of consumer taste irrelevant.
So I'm left wondering why hasn't one of the processors here (eg Biosweet Ventures) yet pointed the would-be growers at a website, downloadable report or other resource that will answer their questions properly?
Regards,
In all (puzzled) sincerity,
Yoyo
On 06-09-2009, ashagl wrote:
New "Zero" aftertaste Stevia - Tastes like sugar
Despite the fact, Stevia has been available in India for years now, it’s still not popular, the single most factor is the strong aftertaste in Stevia.
Consumers are reluctant to accept Stevia as their new sweetener, despite of all its goodness, because of the taste issues associated with it.
Now, the good news
The new range of Stevia products from Biosweet Ventures has a taste very close to sugar & its still 100% Natural. Its a high Rebaudioside A content based product, that gives excellent taste.
When used with tea, coffee, bake, desserts, cooking... etc preparations, you will not be able to differentiate whether you are using Stevia or Sugar.
Try it for yourself and taste the difference!!!!
...
Despite the fact, Stevia has been available in India for years now, it’s still not popular, the single most factor is the strong aftertaste in Stevia.
Consumers are reluctant to accept Stevia as their new sweetener, despite of all its goodness, because of the taste issues associated with it.
Now, the good news
The new range of Stevia products from Biosweet Ventures has a taste very close to sugar & its still 100% Natural. Its a high Rebaudioside A content based product, that gives excellent taste.
When used with tea, coffee, bake, desserts, cooking... etc preparations, you will not be able to differentiate whether you are using Stevia or Sugar.
Try it for yourself and taste the difference!!!!
...
This suggests that despite decades of experience in growing, extracting and marketing stevia, it's got itself a bad name. The invitation from ashagl to "Try it for yourself and taste the difference!!!!" will probably need to be extended very widely - and at some expense - before consumers change their minds.
If it's as good as Biosweet Ventures claim, the new Reb-A product may then be able to compete head-to-head with sugar - but only if consumers perceive enough added value in switching. That suggests that consumers would need to believe:
- that the health benefits warrant the switch; or
- that they would save a lot of money by switching; or
- - just maybe - that it was the prestige choice of sweetener, by using famous sports and film stars to sell it; or
- that it was the funky, cool thing to use - backed by cola-type soft-drink advertising techniques. (Selling the concept to Coke or Pepsi is the best way to make this happen. It's already been done in Japan; why not in India, USA, Europe, China, Australia?)
An assured supply chain is also necessary; yet it seems that all the aspiring stevia smallholders on this site don't have access to reliable information that can assure them that the venture would be worthwhile. Vague promises of profitability are not enough. In the end, if stevia culture has an image problem among growers, that may make questions of consumer taste irrelevant.
So I'm left wondering why hasn't one of the processors here (eg Biosweet Ventures) yet pointed the would-be growers at a website, downloadable report or other resource that will answer their questions properly?
Regards,
In all (puzzled) sincerity,
Yoyo