Ingredients distributor Cornelius Group has joined forces with natural colours business Chr. Hansen to supply the UK and Irish food and drink industry with a range of natural colours.

The move, they say, is in response to global trends for natural products with health-conscious consumers requesting foods that contain less processed raw materials and recognisable ingredients.

Christian Hjortholm Steffensen, business manager for natural colours at Chr. Hansen, says, "Natural ingredients are currently the number one trend in the food and beverages market. Chr. Hansen is working on bringing natural colours from farm to fork as we work with local farmers and global brand owners around the world.

"As consumers demand foods that contain fewer and simpler ingredients, manufacturers are increasing their use of natural ingredients in their products."

Chr. Hansen supplies natural colours that are processed from edible, natural sources such as fruits and vegetables. The range is suitable for a variety of applications in confectionery, ice cream, beverages and prepared foods.

Kerry Dodd, business manager for health and nutrition at Cornelius, adds, "Cornelius is at the forefront of reacting to trends and were excited about working with Chr. Hansen to show the industry the creativity we can offer to manufacturers in delivering the latest thinking in healthy and natural food and beverage formulation and innovation."

Cornelius manufactures and distributes branded and own brand speciality ingredients across a range of food and beverage markets, including confectionery, bakery, sports nutrition, dairy, meat, fish and poultry, beverages and convenience.