Tell me more about stevia
(Kawatani) Hello! Today we have Mr. Koji Morita, a director of Morita Chemical Industry, who provides Fusubon's stevia, with us. Mr. Morita, thank you for always providing us with the highest quality stevia. Thank you for taking the time to see us today despite your busy schedule.
(Morita) Thank you very much!
(Kawatani) Once again, please tell us about the characteristics of stevia and how it differs from other sweeteners.
What are the characteristics of stevia?
(Morita) First of all, the big difference between stevia and other sweeteners is that it is natural and internationally recognized .
Although there are other natural sweeteners, stevia is the only natural sweetener approved by the WHO .
In terms of flavor, there are many different types of stevia, and there are many products for stevia alone. There are varieties that are sweet immediately, sweet later, sweet like sugar, and bitter. By changing the product you use depending on the compatibility with the food, you can create a wide variety of flavors. The stevia that Fusubon is currently using is the most carefully selected product and is of the highest quality among the stevia currently on the market.
(Kawatani) Thank you. It's very reassuring to know that it has the WHO's seal of approval! Please tell me more about Morita Chemical Industry and stevia.
(Morita) Our company was the first in the world to commercialize stevia sweetener in 1971, and it is no exaggeration to say that all of the world's stevia products originated with our company .
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a sweet-tasting plant of the Asteraceae family that is also listed on the herbal list. We have patented a high-quality variety of stevia .
(Kawatani) I see. You are truly a global pioneer in the stevia industry , and you have even obtained a patent. Could you please tell me more about the history of Morita Chemical Industry's stevia production?
Commitment to Stevia
(Morita) Our company was founded in 1960 as a manufacturer of artificial sweeteners such as dulcin and cyclamate.
Around 1970, artificial sweeteners were banned in Japan due to safety concerns, so we began selling stevia in order to create a product that was more natural and safer than synthetic products .
Initially, stevia was not as tasty as it is today, but was in the form of a bitter extract, but through repeated research, a more delicious product was created. Also, with the globalization of food, stevia has attracted attention as a natural sweetener, and is now recognized by the WHO as a safe and reliable sweetener.
Furthermore, our company cooperates with the establishment of legal frameworks overseas, such as in the EU, making it possible for stevia to be used safely around the world, and we are attracting attention as a pioneer of stevia .
(Kawatani) Fusubon was also started from the desire to create low-carb foods using only natural sweeteners, without any artificial sweeteners , so our thoughts are in line with Mr. Morita's!
Since Fusubon started, the aftertaste of stevia has become even better, and I'm impressed by the research that went into it.
I am always grateful for the quality of the products.
I heard that you are also restricting your carbohydrate intake. What prompted you to start?
What prompted me to start limiting carbohydrate intake?
(Morita) Personally, I started restricting carbohydrates as part of my diet. When I started cutting down on carbohydrates, I naturally lost weight, but it wasn't just my weight that improved; I also saw improvements in many other areas of my health , and I realized how good cutting down on carbohydrates is for the body.
Normally when you cut down on carbohydrates you have to cut down on sweets, but as a stevia expert I was able to make sweet things so this wasn't a problem.
However, outside of work, the things I could buy at convenience stores were never tasty, and it felt more like I was taking in nutrition than enjoying a meal.
Therefore, I think that if delicious low-carb breads like those from Fusubon become available for purchase, it will become easier for people who are restricting their carbohydrate intake to do so.
(Kawatani) Thank you. Yes, I also hope that the world of low-sugar foods will continue to expand. Please tell us about the future possibilities and prospects for stevia.
The potential and prospects of stevia
(Morita) Stevia is a natural sweetener that originated in Japan, but it has already grown into a sweetener that is attracting attention around the world. Our company has already discovered further possibilities for stevia and has obtained a patent for it.
We are currently working hard every day to commercialize the product.
To make meals more delicious and healthy, we are further improving the quality and taste of stevia, aiming to create a healthy sweetener that is delicious but doesn't make you fat .
(Kawatani) That's wonderful.
We look forward to more in the future!
Thank you for your continued support.
Today we have brought you the story of stevia, which is indispensable to Fusubon. See you again!