Stevia First Corp. Introduces Enhanced Steviol Glycosides Through Fermentation Process

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 8, 2013) - Stevia First Corp. (OTCQB: STVF) ("Stevia First" or the "Company"), an early-stage agribusiness based in California's Central Valley growing region and focused on the industrial scale production of stevia, the all-natural zero-calorie sweetener that is rapidly transforming the food and beverage industry, is pleased to announce that it has successfully implemented fermentation-based methods for directed enhancement of steviol glycosides from less marketable steviol glycosides.

As part of its "Beyond Reb A" research program, this revolutionary work within the stevia industry is aimed at producing not only Reb A through fermentation-based methods, but also Reb D and Reb X, which have been identified by major multinational companies as the next-generation of stevia sweeteners.

Currently, the development of fermentation technologies devoted to production of stevia extract is the primary focus of the Company and a key value driver. Stevia First Corporation has demonstrated through use of fermentation technologies that it can produce desirable and high-value steviol glycosides from others that may be lower-cost, more abundant, and currently perceived as byproducts.

There are more than 30 different steviol glycosides found within the stevia leaf, including Reb A, the acknowledged current market leader due to its abundant sweetness and relative lack of bitterness, and next-generation sweeteners such as Reb D and Reb X, which may have superior taste profiles but which are found in much lower quantities within the stevia leaf. Because the most desirable steviol glycosides are rare within the stevia leaf, fermentation processes may have attractive commercial advantages for mass production. Using fermentation technologies, Stevia First may soon be able to quickly and reliably produce a variety of next-generation stevia sweeteners in an on-demand fashion and that could be further tailored to changing consumer demands for stevia.

Company CEO Robert Brooke states, "Using fermentation technologies to enhance stevia extracts in a manner similar to what we have already demonstrated may be critical for production of the most desirable next-generation stevia sweeteners. Recent industry news validates the strategic importance of our stevia production platform and 'Beyond Reb A' program, which we continue to refine and secure in preparation for commercial deployment."

About Stevia First Corp. (OTCQB: STVF)
Stevia First Corp. is seeking to establish a vertically-integrated enterprise in the U.S. that uses technological expertise in fermentation-based stevia production and improves upon traditional stevia farming and processing methods. Stevia First's U.S. operations are located in the heart of California's Central Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. For more information visit: www.steviafirst.com.

About the Stevia Industry
The market for all-natural, zero-calorie stevia sweeteners is expanding rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates stevia intake could eventually replace 20-30% of all dietary sweeteners. The total global sweetener market was estimated at $58.3 billion in 2010. For more information visit: www.steviafirst.com.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections of worldwide sales of stevia products, growth of stevia production and global markets. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.