NuNaturals Announces Nustevia Syrup Line Extension
Eugene, OR– Following increased success and demand for their line of stevia-sweetened syrups, NuNaturals is adding two more to the mix: Vanilla and Ginger. NuNaturals launched their line of “NuStevia” syrups in June 2014. NuStevia is a premium plant-based herbal sweetener from the Stevia leaf, an herb native to South America. The initial line included Simple (Plain), Cocoa, and Cocoa Mint Syrups. Cocoa and Cocoa Mint are currently the only sugar-free, naturally-sweetened chocolate syrups on the market.
The syrups have been gaining velocity over the last several years, with most of the volume coming from online sales. “The syrups still have limited retail distribution,” said Jacob Sablosky, VP Business Development. “They are mostly sold in independents [for brick and mortar]. We are working on expanding points of distribution for the line, but right now online sales have been outstanding.”
Vanilla is a likely choice for a flavor extension, given its widespread popularity. But NuNaturals is placing bets that the Ginger will surpass the other flavors. They point to the increasing preference for ethnic and non-traditional flavors among millennial and LOHAS consumers.
Warren Sablosky, Founder, CEO and formulator of the syrups, is optimistic about ginger.
“It’s outstanding, it really tastes incredible. And we are finding that ginger may have more applications than vanilla or chocolate. Those flavors are typically confined to desserts. While the ginger shines in coffee, teas, and even some desserts, it can also be used for cocktails, stir-frys, salad dressings… we are coming up with new recipe ideas every day.”
He said the challenge will be getting consumer trials, especially with MSRPs listed at $16.49 and $20.99 for the Ginger and Vanilla respectively. “Consumer trial was the initial sticking point with the Cocoa and Cocoa Mint syrups, but once consumers started trying the product and word of mouth spread, we really started to see sales pick up.”
The new syrups will bring the total number offered to five. And they don’t have any plans of stopping there. “We are going to continue expanding the line, absolutely,” said Jacob. “We are going to dominate the flavored syrup category within a few years.”
For the 52 weeks ending 11/16/16, NuNaturals ranked #10 out of 83 brands in the Natural channel “Flavored Syrups” category, according to SPINS data. They believe their opportunities will only improve with the new FDA Nutrition Panel guidelines.
“Once larger serving sizes and added grams of sugar start appearing on nutrition panels, consumers are going to be shocked,” said Jacob. “I still don’t think consumers really understand the amount of sugar they are consuming in many of the products they purchase. Organic unrefined cane sugar is better than conventional, but it still causes obesity and diabetes. Sugar is sugar, and we are going to be leading the way with an alternative.”
NuNaturals is a family owned and operated company that has been providing delicious, healthy products for over 27 years. Our mission is to offer joyful products that help keep you well and to grow “sweet” relationships with our customers, employees, stakeholders, and community. We believe that the path to wellness starts with the food and supplements that we consume. Today NuNaturals offers a wide selection of all natural, plant-based stevia sweeteners, baking ingredients, and dietary supplements. NuNaturals was founded November 1st, 1989 in beautiful Eugene, Oregon.
