Naturex says it is now spearheading its investment in colouring foodstuffs with Vegebrite Ultimate Spirulina. A new extraction line, which triples its spirulina production capacity, has been introduced at the company’s production site in Avignon, France. This expansion of Naturex’s manufacturing capacity has, the company says, been designed to meet the growing global demand for clean label blues and greens.

Spirulina is a microscopic fresh water blue-green alga, often listed as a “superfood”, with its colouring properties derived from the phycocyanin pigment. Naturex’s water-based extraction process for Vegebrite Ultimate Spirulina is said to ensure a 100% natural solution delivering clean-label friendly, trehalose-free formulations, available in various concentrations and formats. It offers all shades of blue, and green when blended with Naturex’s natural yellows.

“The natural colour landscape is constantly evolving”, said Nathalie Pauleau, Global Product Manager for Colors. “Natural colours are now a prerequisite in many countries around the world. But health-conscious consumers want to go even further in their quest for transparency and must be provided with fully clean formulations, as minimally processed as possible.”

“We are strengthening our colouring foods production capacity in Europe to provide our customers with vibrant colours that will help shorten ingredient lists. With the recent acquisition of Naturex by the Givaudan group, the natural colour category has become a key development area of business growth for us.”