Stevia Corp. Qualifies for the First Issuance of Its Kind in China

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- (Marketwire) -- 01/09/13 -- Stevia Corp. (OTCQB: STEV) ("Stevia Corp" or the "Company"), a farm management company focused on the economic development of stevia, the fastest growing product in the alternative sweetener sector, is pleased to announce that its aquaculture project in China is covered by the first Aquaculture Insurance Policy issued in the country.

The insurance coverage protects against loss of fish by disease or natural disaster and significantly reduces the project risk profile while greatly enhancing the project's reputation.

George Blankenbaker, Stevia Corp President, comments, "This will be a huge benefit for the aquaculture industry in China and is a testament to the quality of both our partners and our project. It should also provide a signal to capital providers who are looking for opportunities to participate in China aquaculture projects."

The insurance policy is underwritten by the People's Insurance Company of China (PICC), the largest insurance company in China and among the top ten insurance companies in the world. This is a significant development for the aquaculture industry in China which accounts for approximately 70 percent of the world aquaculture production.

Mr. Blankenbaker added, "We are proud of our local partners and that we are at the forefront of a significant development for the China aquaculture industry and this speaks volumes about the reputation and credibility of our management team and projects in which we are participating."

Further details of the Company's business, finances, appointments and agreements can be found as part of the Company's continuous public disclosure as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") EDGAR database. For more information visit: www.steviacorp.us.

About Stevia Corp. (OTCQB: STEV)
Stevia Corp. is a farm management company focused on best practice agronomic competency in order to deliver high-value stevia through proprietary plant breeding, excellent agricultural methodologies and innovative post-harvest techniques. To date, the Company has acquired two grower supply contracts and three nursery fields in Vietnam. For more information visit: www.steviacorp.us.

About the Stevia Industry Sector
Within two years of the USA market opening, Nielsen-based retail consumption data indicated almost $1 billion of retail sales for the sector. In 2010, stevia products were launched across thirty-five countries and in 38 categories. Zenith International estimates worldwide sales of stevia extract reached 3,500 tons in 2010 with an overall market value of $285 million and forecasts the global market for stevia will reach 11,000 tons by 2014 requiring the tripling of stevia leaf production at the farm level to keep pace with consumer demand. For more information visit: www.steviacorp.us.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E 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, risk reduction, insurance coverage, business strategy, worldwide sales of stevia products and stevia extracts, growth of stevia leaf production and growth of the stevia global market. 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.

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