Stevia First Corporation Issues Letter to Shareholders

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2013) - Stevia First Corp. (OTCQB: STVF) ("Stevia First" or the "Company"), an early-stage agribusiness 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 advise of a recently published letter to shareholders which can be found on its website at www.steviafirst.com published under "CEO Report," or by direct link at: http://goo.gl/kq8HPb.

The letter, authored by Company CEO Robert Brooke, outlines and summarizes company activities to-date as well as offering a detailed overview of the Company's plans for the commercialization of stevia using a combination of novel fermentation and agricultural innovations.

Excerpts from the letter include comments regarding Credit Suisse's recent report on "Sugar: Consumption at a Crossroads" which solidifies the mounting evidence against societal overconsumption of sugar, and makes the case that, "the most likely outcome over the next 5-10 years will be a significant reduction in sugar consumption and a marked increase in the role played by high-intensity natural sweeteners."

Mr. Brooke further outlines achievements regarding activities undertaken in relationship with major research institutions regarding innovative fermentation-based production as well as the introduction and modernization of agricultural production of stevia in America. In addition, he provides a compelling analysis of hybrid-fermentation production processes which offer extraordinary possibilities for increased output and unique product development techniques.

The letter provides a description and timeline of plans for the upcoming Company commercial launches, focusing on actions to secure patents and related intellectual property rights. Mr. Brooke summarizes a number of product-oriented achievements including the first of many planned distribution agreements and the advisory and product development relationship with noted nutritionist Alexandra Jamieson.

Mr. Brooke comments, "I believe strongly in our vision, and in our ability to capitalize on the changes occurring to mainstream foods and beverages where stevia is enabling calorie reduction on a massive scale. I invite our shareholders and the general public alike to visit our website (http://www.steviafirst.com/news/ceo_report) in order to grasp the extent of our recent corporate developments." Direct link: http://goo.gl/kq8HPb.

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.