Velez-Malaga aims to be European heart of natural sweetener industry

MEETINGS are being held by stevia producers and investors looking to build a factory for this natural sweetener at Velez-Malaga’s Parque Teconoalimentario.
The producers, mostly based in the Axarquia area but also in other regions of Andalucia, met up with investors and spokespeople from different financial institutions to analyse the viability of creating a stevia factory in the facilities.
Head of the regional association representing the industry, Leovigildo Martin, said the meetings had been fruitful, with a strong interest in the project amongst potential sponsors, who already own several other properties across the world.
“Three or four million euros is not an excessive amount for them as long as the product’s success is guaranteed,” said Mr Martin. “This factory would not only be the first one of its nature in Spain, but also in Europe.”
He explained that stevia was a natural alternative to sugar, and its consumption was increasing around the world.
The group claims that around 5,000 direct and indirect job positions would be created thanks to the project.