Stevia First Corp. Cited in New York Times Article

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jan 7, 2014) - 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 very pleased to advise that a recent New York Times article featured industry insight from Company CEO Robert Brooke.

The article, published January 1^st in the New York Times Magazine, is titled "The Quest for a Natural Sugar Substitute" and can be viewed in its entirety here: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/magazine/the-quest-for-a-natural-sugar-substitute.html.

The article offers a detailed history of stevia and various advances in the technologies and various approaches undertaken around the world in the search for enhanced flavor profiles and cost effective refining processes. The article specifically delves into the research underway in the areas beyond Reb A, the most commonly used stevia sweetener today, and looks to next generation sweeteners like Reb D and X (or M), which may steer the future course of the industry. 

Company CEO, Robert Brooke, states in the article that "these next-generation stevia sweeteners hold a lot of potential for unlocking new growth within the stevia industry. Reb-A has done quite well... Reb-D and Reb-X can take it to a whole new level." The article continues with "The beverage giants feel the same."

About Stevia First Corp. (OTCQB: STVF)
Stevia First Corp. is seeking to establish a vertically-integrated stevia enterprise in the U.S. with expertise in stevia seed and tissue propagation, plant breeding, and cultivation. 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.