US sweetener enters Phl mart

MANILA, Philippines - Swerve LLC, a US manufacturer of natural sweeteners, has selected the Philippines to launch its pioneering product in the emerging Asian market. The company produces Swerve sweetener which is the first all-natural, zero-calorie replacement for regular sugar.

Ivan Echegarrua, Swerve president, said it chose the Philippines  because of its huge market which has become more health conscious and discriminating in buying consumer products. The Philippines is a perfect fit for Swerve, he said.

Swerve sweetener is a newly developed product based on erythritol which is highly suitable for personal consumption as well as for commercial/industrial applications.

Swerve has no bitterness or aftertaste associated with other zero-calorie sweeteners, according to Andress Blackwell, Swerve marketing director. “Its great taste is complemented by a non-GMO ingredient that in granular form, measures one-to-one with sugar,” he added.

Blackwell said Swerve’s proprietary formulation is non-glycemic which is highly recommended for diabetics and other health-conscious consumers. It does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels. It is also not degraded by heat.

Blackwell said Swerve does not contain any artificial ingredients, preservative or flavors  unlike other sweeteners in the market today. Derived from the fibers of fruits and vegetables, it is 100-percent non-allergenic.

Swerve comes in three variants –granular, confectioners and 10X – which are highly  suitable for specific applications.

Swerve will be distributed in the Philippines and Southeast Asia by CSP International Commodities Corp. beginning fourth quarter of 2012.