Stevia First Corp., an early-stage agribusiness based in California's Central Valley growing region and focused on the commercial scale production of stevia, the all-natural zero-calorie sweetener that is rapidly transforming the food and beverage industry, is pleased to announce that Doug Grubb, Ph.D. has accepted a position on the Company's Scientific Advisory Board and that Brandon Zipp, Ph.D. has been promoted internally to the position of Director of R&D.
Dr. Grubb is a leader in creating new scientific knowledge that describes the role of UDP-Glucosyltransferases (UGTs) in plant metabolism. UGTs are the enzymes responsible for later stages of steviol glycoside production and their activity determines the taste profile of natural sweeteners found within the stevia leaf. Dr. Grubb's contributions could enhance Stevia First's process for producing the commercially important glycoside Reb A, and also be relevant to production of next-generation stevia sweeteners such as Reb D, Reb M, or others. Next-generation stevia sweeteners taste better than Reb A, but occur at low concentrations within the stevia leaf and therefore are difficult and expensive to supply at commercial scale using traditional leaf extraction.
In addition to Dr. Grubb joining the team, Stevia First confirmed that Brandon Zipp, Ph.D. has been promoted to Director of R&D. Dr. Zipp was hired in December 2012 to expand the Company's capabilities related to fermentation and plant sciences. Dr. Zipp has diverse training in biochemistry, molecular biology, and fermentation, combined with extensive hands-on laboratory experience with plant UGTs. His work at Stevia First has already led to notable deliverables including the filing of new intellectual property, and in his new position he will continue to work and lead staff in tackling additional opportunities.
Stevia First is developing technologies for industrial production of stevia sweeteners using fermentation in conjunction with traditional agricultural production. Fermentation-based stevia production methods may bypass or greatly diminish the need for stevia leaf production, which by some estimates accounts for 70% or more of the total costs of traditional stevia extract production.
The Company's CEO, Robert Brooke states, "We are thrilled to elevate Dr. Zipp and to welcome Dr. Grubb to our Scientific Advisory Board." Mr. Brooke adds that, "Both individuals have uncommonly deep experience working with plant UGTs, a specialized area of research that is of prime importance for enabling the first truly reliable global supply of next-generation stevia sweeteners."
