Virginia Dare is a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based flavor and extract company originally founded in 1835. The company evolved into the Virginia Dare Extract Co. in 1923, with a focus on creating and supplying flavors for the food and beverage, health and wellness, nutritional product, sweet goods, dairy, and pharmaceutical and oral care industries.

Health concerns are a major issue for many people. The United States’ first lady Michelle Obama has headed up the Let’s Move program to educate consumers about “America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids.” Her efforts also have led to trying to get more adults and children involved in healthier food and beverage choices.

In its 18th consecutive year, Virgo’s SupplySide West Global Expo & Conference grew its attendance 9 percent at its new venue at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Sensient Flavors, a unit of Sensient Technologies Corp., unveiled its proprietary, all-natural Smoothenol 2G line of ingredients.

After moving its headquarters from Indianapolis to Hoffman Estates, Ill., last year, Sensient Flavors, a part of Sensient Technologies Corp., showcased its new facility to the trade media on Feb. 18.

Whether for new product launches or reformulations, natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and erythritol are gaining ground in the beverage market, says Melanie Goulson, sweetness applications leader for Cargill, Minneapolis.

Although Valentine’s Day has passed, stevia is still “whispering sweet nothings” into consumers’ ears. As a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that’s sweeter than sugar, stevia is capitalizing on consumer demand for natural and healthy beverages.

More beverages are being developed with functional health properties and lower calories.