STEVIA NATURA SAS: Company Profile

Background

Overview

STEVIA NATURA SAS, established in 2006, is a pioneering French company specializing in the production and marketing of natural stevia extracts, particularly steviol glycosides, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant. Located in Riom, Auvergne, near Clermont-Ferrand, the company operates a state-of-the-art facility dedicated exclusively to stevia extract production. STEVIA NATURA is recognized as the first European company to produce steviol glycosides, ensuring high-quality standards and traceability throughout its supply chain.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to provide the food-processing industry with high-quality, natural sweeteners that serve as healthy alternatives to traditional sugars. STEVIA NATURA envisions becoming a leading European supplier of stevia extracts, emphasizing sustainability, traceability, and innovation in its production processes.

Industry Significance

As the demand for natural and low-calorie sweeteners increases, STEVIA NATURA plays a crucial role in supplying the European market with stevia extracts that meet stringent quality and regulatory standards. Its commitment to sustainable practices and local sourcing enhances its significance in the industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Quality Assurance: Maintain high purity and quality in stevia extracts through rigorous in-house testing and adherence to European regulations.

• Sustainability: Implement environmentally friendly methods in cultivation, processing, and packaging to promote sustainable agriculture.

• Traceability: Ensure complete traceability of raw materials from seed to finished product, fostering transparency and consumer trust.

Areas of Specialization

• Stevia Extract Production: Specialize in extracting and purifying steviol glycosides, particularly Rebaudioside A, to provide high-quality sweeteners.

• Research and Development: Focus on process improvement and innovation to enhance product quality and production efficiency.

Key Technologies Utilized

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Employ advanced HPLC techniques in the laboratory to ensure the purity and quality of stevia extracts.

• Sustainable Cultivation Practices: Utilize organic farming methods in sourcing stevia leaves from various regions, including Southern Europe and Morocco.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Food and Beverage Industry: Supply natural sweeteners to manufacturers seeking healthier alternatives to sugar.

• Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Provide stevia extracts for use in natural products within these sectors.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding STEVIA NATURA's funding history are not publicly disclosed. The company operates as a private entity, and financial information is limited.

Recent Financial Performance

According to available data, STEVIA NATURA reported the following financial metrics for the year 2024:

• Revenue: €3.58 million

• Gross Margin: €1.55 million (43.2% margin)

• EBITDA: €261,000 (7.3% margin)

• Operating Profit: €110,000 (3.1% margin)

• Net Profit: €70,700

These figures indicate a positive financial trajectory, with improvements in profitability and operational efficiency.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

STEVIA NATURA focuses on the development of high-purity stevia extracts, particularly Rebaudioside A, to meet the growing demand for natural sweeteners in various industries.

Stages of Development

• Cultivation: Sourcing stevia leaves from certified organic farms in Southern Europe and Morocco.

• Extraction and Purification: Utilizing advanced extraction methods to produce steviol glycosides with high purity.

• Quality Control: Employing HPLC and other analytical techniques to ensure product quality and compliance with European standards.

Target Conditions

The primary focus is on producing sweeteners for the food and beverage industry, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, catering to the demand for natural and low-calorie alternatives to sugar.

Anticipated Milestones

• Expansion of Production Capacity: Plans to increase production capabilities to meet rising market demand.

• Product Line Diversification: Introduction of new stevia-based products to cater to various consumer preferences.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Extraction Process: A two-step process involving hot water infusion and purification to obtain high-purity stevia extracts.

• Quality Control: In-house laboratory equipped with HPLC systems for rigorous testing of steviol glycosides.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Analytical Techniques: Utilization of HPLC and other chromatographic methods to ensure the purity and quality of stevia extracts.

• Sustainable Cultivation: Implementation of organic farming practices in sourcing stevia leaves, promoting environmental sustainability.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Joël Perret: President of STEVIA NATURA, leading the company's strategic direction and operations.

• Jean-François Pelletier: Director at STEVIA NATURA, overseeing business development and partnerships.

• Guillaume Hoppenot: Director at STEVIA NATURA, responsible for operational management and production.

Professional Backgrounds

• Joël Perret: With extensive experience in the natural sweetener industry, Dr. Perret has been instrumental in establishing STEVIA NATURA as a leader in European stevia production.

• Jean-François Pelletier: Brings expertise in business development and strategic partnerships, contributing to the company's growth and market expansion.

• Guillaume Hoppenot: Provides operational leadership, ensuring efficient production processes and adherence to quality standards.

Market Context and Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The European stevia market is characterized by a growing demand for natural and low-calorie sweeteners, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to sugar. France, in particular, has a significant market presence, being the leading European importer of stevia products.

Key Competitors

• Cargill Incorporated: Global leader in food and agriculture, offering stevia-based sweeteners under the Truvia brand.

• PureCircle (Ingredion Incorporated): Specializes in high-purity stevia extracts, providing solutions for the food and beverage industry.

• Tate & Lyle PLC: Offers a range of stevia-based sweeteners, focusing on natural and low-calorie alternatives.

• GLG Life Tech Corp.: Produces high-quality stevia products, including refined and unrefined extracts.

• Archer Daniels Midland Company: Provides customized stevia-based sweeteners for various industries, emphasizing sustainability.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

STEVIA NATURA has formed strategic alliances to strengthen its market position:

• Stevial® Brand Alliance: Collaborated with Cristalco, Lavollée-Firmalis, and Mane to create the Stevial® brand, offering a comprehensive range of stevia-based ingredients.

• Stevia Internacional Europe Partnership: Joined forces with Stevia Internacional Europe and other partners to establish a European leader in stevia extraction and marketing.

Operational Insights

STEVIA NATURA differentiates itself through its fully integrated European supply chain, ensuring traceability and quality control from cultivation to final product. Its commitment to sustainable practices and local sourcing enhances its competitive edge in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Market Expansion: Increase presence in European and international markets by leveraging strategic partnerships and expanding product offerings.

• Product Innovation: Develop new stevia-based products to meet evolving consumer preferences and industry trends.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Enhance sustainable cultivation and production practices to align with global environmental standards.

Future Business Directions

• Vertical Integration: Further integrate supply chain operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• Research and Development: Invest in R&D to innovate and improve product quality and production processes.

Opportunities for Expansion

• New Markets: Explore opportunities in emerging markets with growing demand for natural sweeteners.