PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Company Contact: Fred K. Suzuki
                 (847) 593-0226

                STEVIA COMPANY, INC. SEEKS JUDICIAL DISSOLUTION            

          Elk Grove, Illinois (April 15, 1999) - Stevia Company, Inc.
(Unlisted) announced today that the Circuit Court of Cook County, County
Department, Chancery Division, entered an Order dissolving the Company and
approving the Company's Plan of Liquidation.  Under the Company's Plan of
Liquidation, the creditors will be paid overall approximately 95% of the
amount due to them.  There will be insufficient proceeds remaining to make
any
distributions to shareholders.  

          Lauane C. Addis, Receiver for the Company, said that "Liquidating
the Company at this time eliminates the risk of insolvency proceedings in the
future, and gives the Company the opportunity to pay a substantial portion of
its liabilities."  The Company has incurred losses since its inception in
1976, and has not been able to obtain financing and commence proposed
commercial operations.  "Incurring continuing losses is not in the best
interest of the Company's creditors or its shareholders," added Mr. Addis.

          Stevia Company, Inc. was organized for the purpose of developing,
manufacturing and marketing natural sweeteners and other products derived
from
the Stevia Rebaudiana plant.  One product, Rebaudioside A, is a sweetener,
225-450 times sweeter than sugar.

          This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties.  Actual results, events and performance could differ
materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. 
Among
the factors that could cause actual results, events and performance to differ
materially are risks and uncertainties discussed in this Press Release and
those detailed from time to time in the Company's filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1998, the Company's Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended July 31 and October 31, 1998, and
in
the Company's other public reports and statements.  









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