SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 25, 2015) - Stevia First Corp. (OTCQB: STVF) ("Stevia First" or the "Company"), an agricultural biotechnology company focused on the industrial scale production of stevia, the all-natural zero-calorie sweetener, has launched a new consumer outreach campaign designed to educate consumers about sugar and calorie reduction, along with additional healthier lifestyle choices, and to lower obesity and diabetes rates in the U.S.

The #StartwithStevia Campaign asks consumers to make a pledge for sugar reduction above all else, as well as to pursue healthier lifestyle choices, and join its community of athletes and executives committed to effecting rapid change on this issue. In 2011, Stevia First Corp. was launched with a mission to increase global supply of stevia, a healthier mainstream alternative for sugar, and to make a meaningful impact on the diabetes and obesity epidemics in the United States. The Company has developed multiple stevia production technologies designed to enable large increases in global production of stevia, a zero-calorie, plant-derived sweetener, which is an appealing alternative to sugar for many consumers.
At the recent JBF Worldwide Blue Carpet Celebrity Weekend, Stevia First collected initial pledges from multiple high-profile executives and professional athletes. Among the first to sign the pledge was 2-time Pro Bowl NFL Running Back Clinton Portis, who addressed the crowd on the importance of educating communities about the health risks related to sugar overconsumption, and how leading by example can make a huge impact.
"We are bringing together athletes and executives to educate our communities about the transformative potential of sugar and calorie reduction," stated Robert Brooke, CEO of Stevia First Corp. "We are also providing a platform where notable athletes, consumers, as well as government officials, can support and champion the positive, healthy alternatives like stevia that the multinational beverage companies have in fact pioneered and are beginning to adopt globally."

The Company will also use the #StartwithStevia Campaign to engage in promotions at major sporting events and to help establish partnerships with NGO's, schools, community outreach programs, wellness programs, and more. Stevia First's new integrated marketing campaign was developed by Brewer and Associates Consulting, LLC, as part of a business development partnership initiated earlier in the year.

For more information on the #StartwithStevia Campaign and to sign the pledge, please visit www.startwithstevia.com.

About Stevia First Corp.
Stevia First Corp. is an agricultural biotechnology company that is enabling dramatically healthier food and nutrition products. For more information visit: www.steviafirst.com and connect with the Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+.

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.