Next Generation Stevia Market

Next Generation Stevia Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The next generation stevia market will be USD 1.03 billion in value in 2025, according to Fact. MR's report states that the industry will rise at a CAGR of 10.5% and become USD 2.82 billion in 2035. Heightened health awareness among consumers and expanding demand for natural, calorie-free sweeteners are some of the key drivers powering industry growth.

As the world's consumers turn their backs on synthetic sweeteners and high-calorie sugar, the new generation of stevia comes out as the choice alternative. It provides a clean label positioning, improved taste performance, and a better glycoside composition that removes the bitter aftertaste characteristic of previous stevia generations. These functional attributes are facilitating increased uptake in food and beverage applications such as soft drinks, dairy, bakery, and sports nutrition.

Extraction and fermentation-based production innovations have greatly enhanced the taste and affordability of new stevia. With breakthroughs like Reb M and Reb D glycosides reaching near-sugar taste, manufacturers are quickly reformulating product lines to cater to diabetic and general health-conscious consumers alike.

Regulatory windfalls and beneficial sugar reduction requirements in major economies are also boosting reformulation throughout international F&B portfolios. Governments in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are introducing taxation or labeling structures for sugar content, compelling companies to seek plant-based alternatives such as stevia that meet health-oriented standards.

With multinationals and startups both investing in biotech-driven production of high-purity stevia molecules, the supply chain becomes increasingly cost-effective and dependent on stevia leaf farming. This bioconversion process can be anticipated to revolutionize scalability as well as the availability of high-grade stevia on a worldwide scale over the next decade.

Key Metrics

Metrics	Values
Estimated Size in 2025	USD 1.03 Billion
Projected Size in 2035	USD 2.82 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	10.5%

Fact.MR Survey Results: Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

Key Priorities of Stakeholders

• Taste Performance & Consumer Acceptance: 78% of food & beverage manufacturers stated that clean, sugar-like taste was the most critical factor in adopting stevia in mass-market products.
• Regulatory Compliance & Sugar Tax Mitigation: 73% of stakeholders identified natural origin and low glycemic index as key in aligning with global sugar-reduction policies.
• Scalable Supply Chain: 69% of CPG executives emphasized the need for fermentation-based stevia production to ensure consistent supply and pricing stability.

Regional Variance:

• North America: 76% of beverage companies prioritized the development of stevia-based formulations for zero-sugar soft drinks.
• Europe: 81% focused on aligning stevia usage with “natural” and “clean label” consumer preferences.
• Asia-Pacific: 67% of stakeholders highlighted rising demand from diabetic and pre-diabetic populations as a growth driver.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies

Biotech Transformation of Production:

• North America: 64% of manufacturers integrated enzymatic bioconversion processes to produce high-purity Reb M.
• Europe: 58% invested in fermentation-derived stevia to reduce reliance on agricultural inputs.
• Asia-Pacific: 42% adopted gene-edited strains for optimized glycoside yields.

Divergent ROI Perspectives:

• 72% of North American brands deemed fermentation-based stevia production economically viable.
• 47% of European food processors cited slow consumer uptake as a barrier to full transition.
• 39% of Asia-Pacific firms remained cautious due to high initial R&D investments.

Supply Chain & Infrastructure Challenges

Consensus:

• 71% of stakeholders cited limited global fermentation capacity and regulatory bottlenecks as barriers to scaling next generation stevia.

Regional Variance:

• Europe: 62% experienced extended approval timelines for novel glycoside variants.
• Asia-Pacific: 66% reported inconsistent availability of high-purity blends in regional industries.
• North America: 68% noted difficulties in maintaining clean label status due to ingredient sourcing transparency.

Future Investment Priorities

Alignment:

• 74% of global respondents are planning investments in proprietary bioconversion technologies and taste modulation techniques.

Divergence:

• North America: 67% prioritized expanding no-sugar SKUs across beverage and sports nutrition lines.
• Europe: 63% aimed to scale clean label reformulation and minimize artificial flavor masking.
• Asia-Pacific: 58% invested in public health collaborations to increase stevia awareness and integration in daily diets.

Impact of Government Regulation

Countries	Regulations & Impact
USA	FDA approval of new glycosides has enabled rapid expansion in functional foods.
European Union	Strict EFSA evaluations have slowed industry entry but raised consumer trust.
China	National health programs have supported integration into diabetic nutrition.
Japan	Regulatory clarity and labeling laws have facilitated stevia usage in beverages.
South Korea	High demand for low-calorie foods has led to streamlined import certification.
India	Government initiatives promoting natural sweeteners have opened niche segments.
UK	Sugar tax policies have made stevia a go-to alternative for beverage firms.

Market Analysis

The next generation stevia market is primed for double-digit growth, led by clean label innovation, biotech-enabled production, and government-backed sugar reduction mandates. Brands that optimize taste and scaling strategies while aligning with health-focused consumer trends are poised to dominate.

Top 3 Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Expand Regulatory and Compliance Readiness

Companies must stay ahead of evolving sweetener regulations and gain fast-track approvals for next-gen glycoside variants. Regulatory expertise will be vital for industry access and claim validation.

Leverage Biotech for Superior Product and Scalability

Investing in fermentation and enzymatic production will yield higher purity, better taste, and scalable cost structures-key to replacing sugar across F&B applications.

Strengthen Consumer Education and Category Development

Building awareness around clean taste, zero calories, and metabolic health benefits will drive mainstream acceptance and accelerate demand, especially in diabetic and health-conscious segments.

Top 3 Risks Stakeholders Should Monitor

Risk	Probability & Impact
Limited Fermentation Infrastructure	High probability; delays industry penetration and supply growth
Regulatory Delays for Novel Glycosides	Medium probability; affects launch cycles and branding
High R&D Cost for Taste Optimization	High probability; affects small and mid-size entrants

Executive Watchlist

Priority	Immediate Action
Production Scalability	Establish strategic partnerships with biotech fermentation firms
Industry Readiness Strategy	Focus on consumer taste trials and health-centric marketing
Regulatory Forecasting	Anticipate glycoside approval cycles in major regions

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies must accelerate investments in fermentation-based production, streamline regulatory approvals, and drive consumer-centric innovation that emphasizes taste parity with sugar. Fact.MR analysis shows that the next phase of growth will be driven by brands that master both taste and trust-aligning with the global shift toward natural and functional food systems.

Firms that lead in developing clean label, cost-effective stevia formats will capture a significant share as sugar taxation and reformulation pressures mount. By integrating AI-driven formulation tools, optimizing bioconversion, and forming co-manufacturing alliances, brands can scale next generation stevia offerings across categories-reshaping the sweetener landscape and meeting the demands of the health-first consumer era.

Shifts in the Market from 2020 to 2024 and Future Trends 2025 to 2035

The next generation stevia market experienced a high growth rate during 2020 to 2024 because of high demand for low-calorie, natural sweeteners. The inclination towards healthy and sustainable foods owing to the rising health-aware consumers fueled the use of stevia in food and beverages.

As the popularity of plant-based diets increased, so did demand for natural sweeteners such as stevia, which is sourced from the stevia plant. Also, companies started investing more into refining the flavor and solubility of stevia, responding to the earlier issues with its aftertaste.

The times also witnessed the innovation of new varieties of stevia with enhanced sweetness profiles, enabling more varied uses in various product categories. Even with the expansion, challenges such as consumer perception and high production costs continued to hinder larger industry penetration.

The next generation stevia market will continue to develop from 2025 to 2035, stevia landscape innovations will continue, and greater acceptance of stevia in use by consumers will take place. Further studies of the metabolic properties of stevia will promote the use of stevia in functional foods and beverages.

Sustainability is still one of the main industry drivers, which means that stevia producers will focus on sustainable farming and open supply chains that meet consumer requirements for responsibly produced ingredients. In addition, advanced fermentation and biotechnology-based production processes will continue to make stevia manufacturing even more economical and efficient, which potentially will help break a further price barrier and make it even more popular.

Comparative Market Shift Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035

2020 to 2024	2025 to 2035
Increased adoption of natural, low-calorie sweeteners due to increased health concerns.	Greater emphasis on sustainability and plant-based consumption, with stevia used extensively in clean-label applications.
Strain innovation in stevia with better sweetness profiles and gentler aftertastes.	Biotechnological process innovation improvements to deliver greater efficiency in production and strong taste profiles.
Increased demand for healthier alternatives to sugar, with an emphasis on natural and plant-based ingredients.	Greater consumer application of stevia in an enormously broad range of applications, including food products, beverages, and medicines.
Growing development in North American and European industries in line with health and wellness trends and growing demand for natural sweeteners.	Growing development in developing countries as health concerns spread globally, with greater availability.
Increased emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing sustainability in the production of stevia.	Increased regulatory pressure on sustainable agriculture, with stevia as a green substitute for sugar.
Extensive competition between sweetener producers, with stevia as a reliable substitute for sugar and artificial sweeteners.	Higher competition in the plant-based sweetener industry, where stevia also leads as it is natural in origin and eco-friendly.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Form

The next generation stevia market has a dominant share of powdered stevia by form, with an industry share of approximately 68% by the year 2025, while liquid stevia will account for the remaining 32%.

Powdered stevia has advantages over other forms, such as its versatility and long shelf life, coupled with its ease of use in multiple applications outside of baked goods, dairy products, and nutritional supplements. The companies that have developed high-quality stevia powders are Cargill (Truvia) and Tate & Lyle, particularly charges that are advanced stevia derivatives like Rebaudioside M (Reb M), known to have very good taste profiles and nearly no bitterness.

Ingredion has also ventured with stevia powder formulations marketed under PureCircle, focusing on sugar reduction in food and beverage applications. The versatility of powdered stevia in numerous application areas continues to give it a competitive edge in terms of industry share as innovations build around improving sweetness as well as application flexibility.

Stevia liquid represents 32% of the industry share due to ease of incorporation into food and beverage products with liquid formulations. The rapid growth of liquid stevia is already visible in its application in ready-to-drink beverages, syrups, and properties of liquid stevia, which are much appreciated in health-conscious circles for keto-friendly and diabetic-safe applications.

Stevia liquids are on the rise in ready-to-mix drinks as sugar alternatives are in high demand, especially in fitness and wellness. It's almost negligible effect on end recipe changes and fast solubility give liquid stevia compelling advantages.

The natural and plant-based sweeteners trend, as well as advancements in fermentation technology, has become the triggering point for the move to next-generation powdered as well as liquid stevia.

By Application

The next generation stevia market is projected to realize incredible growth in the beverage and bakery sectors by 2025. Beverages are estimated to lead the industry with a 28% share, while the bakery segment is expected to register a share of 15%.

Within the beverage industry, the demand for stevia sweeteners is growing rapidly due to the increasing consumer preference for healthier alternatives. What stevia is able to do, however, is provide sweetness without either adding calories or spiking blood glucose levels. In an expanding sugar-free and low-calorie drink industry, beverage manufacturers find all the more appeal in stevia-infused drinks.

PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have both been tapping into this rising tide of health-conscious consumers by launching a variety of stevia-sweetened beverages. Stevia represents a major ingredient in a variety of soft drink formulations, bottled waters, flavored teas, and health-focused beverages, including sports drinks and functional waters. In this sector, the shift toward "natural" sweetening agents is expected to drive the biggest industry share for stevia.

While in the bakery industry, stevia is fast replacing sugar in cakes, cookies, muffins, and breads. As more consumers express concern regarding sugar consumption and demand for low-calorie, low-sugar foods rise, what stevia stands for will fit well into the lifestyle of both health-oriented people and those who would like to cut calorie intake.

Natural sweetness, stability on heat, and minimum effects on texture and appearance have become considerations for bakeries using stevia. Some major industry names, such as Grupo Bimbo and Mondelez, have used stevia in some of their baked products to satisfy consumers' health needs. In this application, among others, stevia is particularly well-suited owing to its low glycemic index, making it appealing for diabetics and those interested in lowering the amount of sugar consumed.

This trend suggests that the beverages segment will be the largest application area for stevia. At the same time, the bakery products category will continue to enjoy sustained growth, driven by increased demand for healthier alternatives with low sugar content.

Country-wise Analysis

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	7.1%
UK	6.4%
France	6%
Germany	6.2%
Italy	5.7%
South Korea	6.3%
Japan	5.5%
China	7.8%
Australia-NZ	6.1%

USA

The USA next generation stevia market will grow at 7.1% CAGR over the study period. Increasing worry about obesity and diabetes is driving consumers towards healthier alternatives to sugar, making stevia a natural sweetener of choice.

This market, which features better stevia compounds like Reb M and Reb D, presents improved taste profiles with less bitterness, driving faster adoption in beverages, snacks, and tabletop sweeteners. The clean-label trend is also increasing demand, as both multinational food companies and startups reformulate products to contain plant-based, non-GMO sweeteners such as next generation stevia.

The USA food and beverage industry are extremely sensitive to changes in health awareness, enabling new generation stevia products to enter industries rapidly through innovations and strategic partnerships. Regulatory support such as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status facilitates rapid commercialization.

Besides retail growth, the ingredient is increasingly being employed in food service and catering for its natural identity and enhanced sensory acceptability. As consumers go on to uphold both taste and health, new generation stevia emerges as one of the critical growth drivers within the sugar substitute category in the USA industry.

UK

The UK next generation stevia market is anticipated to register a 6.4% CAGR throughout the study. The move towards clean, plant-based sugar substitutes, driven by national health programs and reduction targets on sugar, is creating the demand for clean, plant-based sweeteners like stevia.

Rebaudioside M and D-based formulations are being increasingly accepted for their better taste profile, making brands compete with consumers who had earlier avoided stevia owing to bitterness or residual aftertaste. Global beverage and snack leaders are setting the pace with these new generation stevia products in reduced-calorie offerings.

Premium stevia positioning finds appeal with health-oriented UK consumers, especially in cities where natural and low-GI ingredients demand increases. Regulation aligning with the European Union and open labeling compliance further encourage growth. The lively health food sector of the UK and the creativity of natural formulations create fertile soil for further development.

France

The French next generation stevia market will register a 6% CAGR over the forecast period. French consumers are progressively adopting plant-based ingredients in line with increased interest in natural and sustainable food choices. Next generation stevia, especially rebaudioside M and other high-purity stevia extracts, are becoming popular because they have better taste profiles and low aftertaste. Such a trend is critical in overcoming past consumer resistance against stevia-based sweeteners.

French food manufacturers are investing in reformulating products already on the industry and introducing new products with stevia to meet sugar-reduction regulations and ensure health-conscious consumers. Dairy, confectionery, and beverage manufacturers are particularly active here, using stevia for caloric and sugar reduction without compromising flavor.

French consumers' sensitivity to synthetic additives also resonates with the clean-label and non-GMO qualities of new generation stevia ingredients. The nation's rich culinary heritage and emphasis on natural flavor experiences make next generation stevia a highly strategic ingredient in reformulated indulgence foods. Overall, robust health-led demand and clean ingredient want are driving solid growth in the French next generation stevia market.

Germany

The German next generation stevia market will grow at 6.2% CAGR over the study period. With one of the most health-aware consumer bases in Europe, Germany is experiencing rising adoption of next generation stevia because of stronger demand for natural, low-calorie sweeteners. Sophisticated steviol glycosides like Reb M are finding favor for their good taste and clean label status, which makes them perfect substitutes for sugar in foods and beverages, bakery products, and dairy items.

Germany's robust regulatory standards and consumer labeling requirements are prompting manufacturers to invest in reformulations with clean labels. Sustainability and traceability are driving demand for stevia, which is made available through fermentation and bioconversion processes.

At the same time, the growth of low-GI and diabetic-compliant products is driving industry penetration in both health food retailing and mainstream channels. Major food manufacturers and retailers are increasingly marketing next generation stevia reformulated SKUs, thereby enhancing its visibility and acceptability. Germany's steadfast emphasis on wellness, health, and quality of products guarantees a favorable environment for next generation stevia growth in the forecast period.

Italy

The Italian next generation stevia market will grow with a 5.7% CAGR in the study period. Italy is witnessing a steady but slow move towards healthier sweeteners due to increasing knowledge of the adverse health effects of sugar and the demand for naturally sourced alternatives.

Next generation stevia is coming into the limelight for its capacity to preserve taste quality with zero-calorie advantage. Italian consumers have traditionally been discerning about food taste and authenticity, and newer generations of stevia, such as Reb M and Reb D, are responding to these issues with sweeter, sugar-like profiles.

Next generation stevia applications are growing in beverages, confectionery, and dairy, and companies are striving to balance flavor and health without sacrificing conventional tastes. While adoption is presently more robust in niche and premium categories, rising education on the value of advanced stevia forms is expanding demand.

The clean-label trend and avoidance of GMO ingredients also benefit next generation stevia, especially among younger consumers. While regulatory and cost considerations create some challenges, innovation and expanding availability should propel a robust industry path over the next decade.

South Korea

The South Korean next generation stevia market is set to grow at 6.3% CAGR throughout the study. Growing obesity levels and a thriving health-aware consumer segment are driving the demand for sugar substitutes in South Korea.

It is becoming an increasingly sought-after choice because it is plant-based and possesses better flavor characteristics than previous stevia varieties. The use of advanced steviol glycosides in ready-to-drink beverages, functional foods, and K-beauty edible supplements is driving mass industry adoption.

South Korean consumers are highly concerned about product quality and innovation and are sensitive to improved sweetener technologies that promote wellness without affecting taste. The government initiative to reduce sugar content in processed foods and soft drinks has also driven the adoption of natural sweeteners.

Domestic food companies are working with global stevia developers to launch new products in snacks, teas, and desserts. Websites and stores industry natural lifestyle trends, generating awareness and driving sales. The next generation stevia market is positioned for long-term growth, driven by growing disposable income and the growing popularity of sugar-free, clean-label food.

Japan

The Japanese next generation stevia market is expected to expand by 5.5% CAGR over the study period. Japan has a long history of stevia use, being one of the first to adopt natural sweeteners. Nevertheless, stevia is attracting renewed interest due to its improved flavor profile, lower bitterness, and greater appropriateness for mass-market use. Consumers remain focused on health and wellness, especially in terms of blood sugar control and weight management.

Food and beverage businesses are increasingly launching reformulated items with next generation steviol glycosides across categories like green tea, conventional sweets, and low-calorie sauces. Even though growth is modest relative to surrounding nations, innovation and shopper awareness of stevia provide a positive environment.

Japanese eating styles focus on gentle flavors, which are well suited to the purer taste of stevia. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses are also on the horizon as new applications, especially for diabetic and aging consumers. Japan's focus on longevity and health-oriented product development underpins a stable, if slower-growing, stevia industry.

China

The Chinese next generation stevia market is anticipated to develop at 7.8% CAGR throughout the study period. China is the fastest-growing industry for next generation stevia, fueled by the intersection of large-scale health programs, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for low-calorie food alternatives. Chinese consumers are increasingly responsive to plant-based, functional ingredients, particularly those that support sugar reduction without impacting taste.

The beverage sector is a major driver of growth, with manufacturers incorporating advanced stevia forms like Reb M into soft drinks, teas, and sports beverages. Regulatory reforms have facilitated the introduction of biotech-derived stevia, accelerating product development. Domestic producers are heavily investing in fermentation and bioconversion technologies to meet quality and taste expectations, and international brands are also targeting this lucrative industry.

Further, stevia is being used in children's foods, beverages, baked goods, and dairy foods. With an aggressive drive toward sugar control in public health and increasing middle-class consumption, the next generation stevia market in China is expected to grow highly dynamic and dominant in the forecast period.

Australia-New Zealand

The Australia-New Zealand next generation stevia market will grow at a 6.1% CAGR over the study period. The region is witnessing increasing demand for plant-based, low-calorie sweeteners as part of a larger movement towards natural health solutions. It is being widely utilized in food and beverage formulations due to its better flavor profile and clean-label positioning. Consumers are looking for natural alternatives that comply with dietary needs, such as weight management and control of blood sugar levels.

Australia and New Zealand's regulatory authorities are welcoming sugar-reduction efforts and have made it easier for stevia ingredients to gain industry access. The natural snack and functional beverage spaces are being especially driven, with stevia being included in smoothies, kombucha, and granola bars. Food companies are also espousing environmental stewardship by using stevia from sustainable methods of production that are in line with consumer values.

Online websites and natural health shops are good vehicles for communicating with health-aware consumers. Thanks to ongoing product innovation and positive customer attitudes, the area is well-placed to experience steady industry growth over the projection period.

Competitive Outlook

The next generation stevia market has also seen tremendous investment and innovations from stakeholders concentrated on enhancing the sweetness profile of stevia while minimizing the aftertaste. Cargill Incorporated, which is a prominent international player in food and beverage ingredients, has made remarkable development efforts to create stevia sweeteners that have better taste profiles and greater purity for larger food and beverage applications. The strategies and associated technology acquisitions are meant to keep it competitive.

PureCircle, another major player, holds a very strong position in the stevia field and is well known for advances in the steviol glycoside production field. To meet the increased demand from the healthy sweetening industry, the company has expanded its production capacity as well as its portfolio. GLG Life Tech Corporation also boasts solid research and development activities to improve the quality and quantity of stevia-sourced sweetness.

Ingredion Incorporated, a major industry player, will develop stevia extracts of Superior Purity. They offer both high-quality and clean-label ingredients that are increasingly being demanded over time. Sustainable practices and product innovation mark their ever-growing relationships with food and beverage manufacturers. SweeGen will target next-generation sweeteners but will also add biotechnology in fermentation to improve the profile and strength of flavors; thus, it can be said to be an important player in the sector.

The competition in the next generation stevia market starts from the fact that taste, sweetness consistency, and cost-benefit are increasingly improved while concomitantly responding to the growing demand from consumers for natural, low-calorie, and clean-label sweeteners.

Market Share Analysis by Company

Company Name	Market Share (%)
Cargill Incorporated	20-25%
PureCircle	18-22%
GLG Life Tech Corporation	12-16%
Ingredion Incorporated	15-18%
SweeGen	10-14%
Other Key Players (Combined)	10-15%

Key Company Offerings and Activities

Company Name	Offerings & Activities
Cargill Incorporated	Develops stevia-based sweeteners with enhanced taste and purity, focusing on food and beverage applications with an emphasis on sustainability.
PureCircle	Offers high-quality stevia products, including steviol glycosides, with a focus on improving the flavor profile for a variety of applications.
GLG Life Tech Corporation	Focuses on the R&D of stevia-derived sweeteners, offering high-purity extracts and innovations in sweetness intensity.
Ingredion Incorporated	Develops high-purity stevia extracts with an emphasis on sustainability, clean-label solutions, and a wide range of food and beverage applications.
SweeGen	Specializes in fermentation-based production of stevia sweeteners, with an emphasis on enhancing taste profiles and creating natural, low-calorie solutions.

Key Company Insights

Cargill Incorporated (20-25%)

A global leader in food ingredients, Cargill has made significant strides in enhancing the taste and purity of stevia-based sweeteners with strong investments in R&D and strategic acquisitions.

PureCircle (18-22%)

One of the largest producers of stevia, PureCircle has expanded its product offerings and built a strong brand reputation for developing high-quality, natural sweeteners with improved flavor profiles.

GLG Life Tech Corporation (12-16%)

It specializes in the production of steviol glycosides and high-purity stevia extracts, with a focus on improving sweetness intensity and expanding into new industries globally.

Ingredion Incorporated (15-18%)

A leader in clean-label sweeteners, Ingredion has focused on high-purity stevia extracts and has formed strong partnerships with food and beverage manufacturers to cater to evolving consumer tastes.

SweeGen (10-14%)

SweeGen is recognized for its innovative fermentation technology, which produces stevia sweeteners with an improved flavor profile and consistent sweetness that appeal to the growing natural product segment.

Key Market Players

• Cargill Incorporated
• PureCircle
• GLG Life Tech Corporation
• Ingredion Incorporated
• SweeGen
• Stevia Corp.
• Sunwin Stevia International, Inc.
• Stevia Natura
• Tate & Lyle
• Evolva Holding SA

Segmentation

By Form:

• Liquid
• Powder

By Application:

• Bakery
• Confectionery
• Cereal-based Products
• Dairy Products
• Beverages
• Carbonated Beverages
• Juices
• Nutraceuticals/Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)