Insatiable pursuit of sweetness

Stevia sweeteners have a history of 40 years or so in Japan, but Stevioside has had a longer history there. Stevioside had long been used widely as a sweetener both because Stevioside had a strong sweet taste and because no other suitable natural sweetener was available in Japan. However, its main uses were limited to pickles and seasonings because of its bitterness and astringency. To decrease the proportion of Stevioside and increase the proportion of Rebaudioside A with a better taste, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc (current name: DIC Corporation) set to work on R&D of new varieties of stevia in 1981. As a result, success was achieved in the development of new original varieties which find easy application in beverages and foods, especially sweets.

	*Hoten	New seedling registered in 1987 (No.1386)
	*Seiten	New seedling registered in 1990 (No.2278)
	*Shuten	New seedling registered in 2001 (No.8836)
	(None of these varieties are products of genetic engineering.)

Insatiable pursuit of better conditions of cultivation

The new varieties of stevia are grown by contract Chinese farmers under strict conditions established by DIC LIFETEC. Stevia grown on a large tract of land grow to be as high as children.

Insatiable pursuit of safety

DIC LIFETEC's new varieties of stevia are not products of genetic engineering, but have been originally developed by selection and crossbreeding. DIC LIFETEC's personnel periodically visit the stevia farms to keep track of the farmers and cultivation. Dried leaves of stevia that comply with the quality standard for stevia leaves are used for production of stevia sweeteners. In addition, stevia leaves are periodically examined for residual agricultural chemicals.

Production

Insatiable pursuit of production

In 1993, with a view to contributing to the development of the local community, Shanghai Long Feng Food Additives Co., Ltd. was brought into being in Shanghai, China, as a member of the DIC Group which has been expending its operations worldwide. The company has built both the head office and plant at the foot of Mt. Yosan, an excellent natural environment forming part of the area of special national environmental protection. In addition to stevia sweeteners, the company also produces food additives (products meeting the Standard of the Japan Food Additives Association), such as antioxidants (sunflower extracts).

Insatiable pursuit of technology

The plant is equipped with the state-of-the-art systems which are most advanced in China. The processes of crystallization to packaging, in particular, employ a closed system to shut out outer air so that a highly hygienic environment free of insects and foreign matter is provided. DIC LIFETEC's personnel periodically visit the plant to provide technical and quality control support and to keep track of production.

Insatiable pursuit of quality

DIC LIFETEC's stevia sweeteners are produced in a strictly controlled production system in accordance with strict quality standards. Turning to best account of DIC LIFETEC's quality control know-how, Shanghai Long Feng Food Additives Co., Ltd. has set up its own state-of-the-art analysis and control systems. Besides being capable of high-speed liquid chromatography, the company boasts a full line of analytical apparatus and equipment and has a dedicated microbiological examination room.