Chicago, IL (July 16, 2010) -- Merisant Company is making life sweeter by introducing a national branded offering which includes the four leading zero calorie sweetener "colors" under the Equal® and Pure Via™ brand names. This revolutionary development provides an exceptional value to foodservice operators and again positions Equal as a leader among zero calorie sweeteners.

Equal, a trusted brand for more than 25 years, will now market "yellow" and "pink" offerings that will bear the brand name and deliver the quality and taste patrons expect. Earlier this year, Equal consumers expressed their support for these new branded offerings during proprietary research conducted by Technomic Inc., the pre-eminent food service industry research company. The new collection also includes Pure Via, an all natural, zero calorie sweetener, for those operators looking to satisfy patrons' requests for a stevia-based sweetener in the "green" segment.

"We are thrilled to help food service operators fill their tabletop caddy with a full portfolio of zero calorie sweeteners with nationally recognized brands," said Yann Kervoern, Merisant Vice President, General Manager, Americas. "Strong consumer awareness and broad foodservice distribution allowed us to extend the Equal brand equity into additional pink and yellow offerings, and to offer Pure Via at a very competitive price."

What's in it for Foodservice Operators?

The proprietary research also revealed the most important factors among foodservice operators when selecting a zero calorie sweetener.

"Foodservice operators told us loud and clear that price and national brand recognition were paramount," said Bill Buehner, Director of Foodservice Sales for Merisant. "The new Equal portfolio proposition delivers a nationally branded, single-source solution that reduces operator food costs and helps to streamline their operations. The switch will also satisfy their patrons' sweetener preferences without compromising their sweetener offering."

For more information, pricing and a free sample, call 1-888-658-1948 or visit www.equalpurevia.com.

Merisant Company, the manufacturer of Equal® brand zero-calorie sweetener and Pure Via™ all natural zero calorie sweetener, is a privately held company headquartered in Chicago. Merisant is a global leader in the sweetener industry and has a presence in more than 90 countries with over 450 employees worldwide. Equal is a registered trademark of Merisant Company. Pure Via is a trademark of Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC.