Oak Brook, IL — Stevia supplier PureCircle will source stevia leaf from S&W Seed Co. Inc., a raw ingredients grower based in Five Points, CA., in an effort to expand U.S. cultivation.

The company says sourcing from the new supplier will bring large-scale stevia farming to the U.S. and ensure stability and sufficiency of the nation's supply. In addition, PureCircle is conducting a research project with Michigan State University to develop the next generation of stevia-based sweeteners.

With stevia from Kenya and Paraguay already being processed in PureCircle facilities, the company says it is expanding internationally, with plans to begin constructing facilities in Africa and South America.