Originally introduced to Japan in 1970 by a consortium of food-product manufacturers, stevioside and other stevia products quickly caught on. By 1988, they reportedly represented approximately 41% of the market share of potently sweet substances consumed in Japan.

Japan's experience proved several significant facts about this phenomenal plant: its adaptability and its safety. Adaptability was proven through the discovery that the plant could be grown throughout most of this temperate island nation, albeit under special hothouse conditions. Stevia's safety was proven through extensive scientific testing.

The spread of the stevia phenomenon was not limited to Japan. Today Stevia is consumed by millions of people from its native origins of Paraguay & Brazil to Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, USA, Canada, Russia, & many other countries.