Dr. Kantha Shelke

GLG News by Dr. Kantha Shelke, Founder & Scientist

GLG News is now G+ Insights

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Will Purevia and Truvia have first move advantage in the sweetener marketplace?

December 19, 2008

Analysis of:Coke and Pepsi Stoked for Stevia after FDA Green Light | blogs.wsj.com

Purevia and Truvia may very well have first move advantage in the sweetener marketplace!  The FDA issued its no-objection letter to the two petitions and each of these deal specifically with the purified versions of the Rebaudioside A sweetener.  The other viable options are to: - Self-affirmation GRAS - Establish 'no different from Rebiana' OR - File an independent GRAS petition for notification by the FDA.route or establish that piggy back    

Market realization imminent for stevia and Reb A

December 16, 2008

Analysis of:Coke Set to Unveil Natural New Drink | online.wsj.com

The announcement in the Wall Street Journal today that Coke is expected to launch beverages sweetened with stevia derivative rebaudioside A (Reb A), indicates that Coke and Cargill are confident that their self-affirmation GRAS for Reb A is solid and that the FDA will be soon be blessing their notification with a letter of no-objection.  Self-affirmed GRAS may very well make long and drawn out additive petitions a thing of the past.  PureVia and Truvia are well on their way to becoming established brands of Reb A, many more are soon to follow.  

There’s Gold in Them Thar Sweet (Stevia) Leaves

June 4, 2008

Analysis of:Gilbert firm set to announce stevia distribution deal | www.eastvalleytribune.com

Wisdom Natural Brands (Gilbert, AZ) began shipping SweetLeaf tabletop sweetener to stores around the nation on June 2.  By being the first in the race for a good-tasting, natural and nationally available stevia-based tabletop, Wisdom Natural Brands (Gilbert, AZ) stands to establish itself as the defacto standard taste for stevia in the minds of consumers.  The first taste – especially when pleasant and good-for-you – is a powerful habit former and has the potential to affect the other sweeteners to follow. 

How do you say - "The Best Sweet Tasting Stevia Derviative?"

May 19, 2008

Analysis of:Stevia a sweet bet for Cargill | www.twincities.com

Eleven peer-reviewed albeit company-sponsored scientific studies, accepted for publication this week in Food and Chemical Toxicology, signify a significant lead for Coca Cola and Cargill in the natural sweetener race.  The media will have much to say about the new sweetener and so will giant brands like Splenda, Equal and Nutrasweet.  Industry and consumer watchdogs have much to keep them busy too.

Candy Land Tremors While Giants Dance

May 9, 2008

Analysis of:Mars to Buy Wrigley’s for $23 Billion | www.nytimes.com

The recent Mars Wrigley courtship is sending veritable tremors ripple across candy land.  Cadbury’s and Hershey’s have to quickly figure out their response to the changing topography.  The more agile mid-market sector will find opportunities to advance their businesses while the smaller and keener innovators will likely take advantage of the market confusion to position themselves for the reactive round of acquisitions. 

Are Organic Foods Recession Proof?

May 1, 2008

Analysis of:US Growers Should Prevent Food Recession | www.thepacker.com

Consumers, companies and investors in the organic sector are concerned about the impact of price increases and the economy.  While companies acknowledge the price increase is eroding their profit margins, they also realize that their consumer base is relatively affluent and strong principle-based loyalty.  Some sectors such as infant formula, baby food, personal care, protein foods (meat, poultry, eggs and milk), cereals, coffee, chocolate, and pet foods (to name a few) are somewhat buffered because their value propositions and associated consumer perceptions and tolerance for price increases. 

Is Candy Recession Proof?

May 1, 2008

Analysis of:Sweet Deal: Mars and Wrigley Merge | www.brandweek.com

Is Candy Recession Proof?   Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. Executive Chairman Bill Wrigley Jr., and Mars Inc. CEO Paul Michaels, bolstered by Warren Buffet, the Oracle of Omaha, certainly think so.  The two confectionary powerhouses are betting consumers will buy candy and lots of it during down times.    Mars Inc. is buying Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. for about $23 billion in cash.  The deal would marry brands with iconic position in the lives of Americans and candy lovers around the world.  Mars, which owns m&ms and Snickers and Wrigley with Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Eclipse, Orbit, and Extra fit right in Warren Buffett's sweet spot.  The Chicago based family owned gum maker would become a subsidiary of the McLean, Va.-based and family owned Mars.  

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