Stevia First (OTC:STVF) could one day partner with Coca-Cola.
Stevia First has large sums of land, a fermentation process to refine superior taste, stevia products in development, and has patents and trademarks on its products. In more depth, let’s explain why such things are important to Coca-Cola and other large food and beverage companies.
Stevia First has over 1,000 acres in the agriculturally rich Central Valley of California, which is known for its diverse climate. Like I’ve already explained, Coca-Cola can’t necessarily replace current crops without trial and error. Invariably, land becomes precious– and in its largest market, Coca-Cola needs local land to avoid high costs and keep margins intact
Stevia First can modify the taste of its stevia via patents and trademark technology. Last week the companyannounced trademark requests that will further allow it to utilize its technology to create a better commercial product. Moreover, the company is preparing for a commercial launch after months of clinical testing, which is a process that other stevia companies must undergo.
Stevia is healthy but naturally has a lingering aftertaste. Part of Stevia First’s fermentation process is to produce Reb A, which is a part of stevia that is 200-400 times sweeter than sugar. More importantly, it has the best taste profile without the aftertaste. This process would be crucial to large beverage companies who want to replicate the taste of certain products, but don’t want a lingering aftertaste.
Combined, these points could solve most of Coca-Cola’s (and the industry’s) problems. Now, with that said, I am in no way suggesting that Coca-Cola will acquire Stevia First. However, I do think a partnership with one of the larger food or beverage companies could be a part of Stevia First’s future.