ADVERTORIAL A Sweet Deal Specialty syrups answer consumer demands while optimizing sweet functionality W hether driven by pure cravings or the desire for permissible indulgence with less guilt, consumers have a thing for sweets. One of the sweetest things about the marketplace for foods and beverages is the array of choices that people have when indulging their sweet tooth. From classic favorites to reduced-sugar options to products that fit their interest in clean and clear labels, there is a sweet option for virtually every palate and preference. *ADM OutsideVoice⢠consumer research 2020 Choosy Consumers Balance Taste and Lifestyle Today's consumers are savvy and discerning when it comes to food and beverage ingredients. Low-Sugar Rush More people are sugar-conscious. ADM OutsideVoice⢠consumer research found that 8 out of 10 consumers are engaged in reducing sugar in their diets. Moreover, consumers are willing to pay more for products with less sugar if those items meet their taste expectations. Seeing Clear Today's consumers are taking a personal approach to their health and wellness, determining their own deï¬nition of " clean label. " More than two thirds (66%) of consumers are looking for labels with the shortest ingredient list. And 60% say that recognizable ingredients inï¬uence their purchasing decisions.* Natural Selections Progressive shoppers have shifted away from an obsession with calorie counts and fat tallies focusing on calorie 'quality' and food's intrinsic value. In fact, 30% of consumers identify as " sweetener naturalists " , seeking options for products made with natural, organic, non-GMO and sustainably sourced ingredients.*