GNT unveils “uplifting and happy” yellow and green shades from safflower and spirulina

29 Apr 2022 --- GNT has expanded its range of EU organic-certified Exberry Coloring Foods with new yellow and green shades made from organic safflower and spirulina. The launch comes amid a drive in interest for organic ingredients across F&B applications.

Exberry Organics Fruit & Veg Yellow is made from organic safflower and organic apple, while Exberry Organics Veg Green is made from organic safflower and organic spirulina. Both are compliant with Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848.

Happy and calming shades 
Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Maartje Hendrickx, market development manager at GNT Group, says yellow is an uplifting shade associated with joy and happiness. 

“It can help bring tropical and cocktail-inspired flavors to life and exotic citrus fruits such as yuzu and Meyer lemons. Green is a calming shade rooted in nature and can evoke popular superfoods such as kale and matcha.”

“The connotations of different colors can vary heavily depending on the context,” she notes. “Our Power of Color research project is designed to help brands understand how color creates meaning across different cultures, situations and categories.”

For example, in the confectionery industry, yellow used to be strongly associated with sourness, Hendrickx details. “Now it’s used more to signal fresh, happy and adventurous products. The Power of Color enables us to work with brands to identify effective color choices for their specific market requirements.”

Organic sees “exceptional demand”
According to Hendrickx, the organic food and drink space is “enjoying exceptional demand.”

“Organic products are seen as healthier and more sustainable, so they tap into two of today’s biggest trends,” she continues. 

“Nonetheless, there can be a perception that organic products are less enjoyable. That’s why color is vital. Delivering appetizing shades helps products stand out on the shelf and boost enjoyment of the flavor.”

Exberry Organics Fruit & Veg Yellow is made from organic safflower and organic apple, while Exberry Organics Veg Green is made from organic safflower and organic spirulina.Exberry Organics can ensure products have strong visual appeal without compromising on the label. The range now contains yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue and green options.

Further commenting on the importance for GNT to keep up with changing regulations in the space for coloring foods, Hendrickx stresses that it is “vital we keep track of all the latest regulatory advances across all our markets.”

“We provide our customers with regulatory support on different regulations and recommendations regarding the labeling of coloring products,” she underscores. 

Safflower credentials 
As Exberry Organics Fruit & Veg Yellow and Exberry Organics Veg Green meet regulations they can be used for organic food and drink across the EU and UK. 

Safflower is not currently permitted for use in the US and China, but GNT offers alternative organic yellows. Exberry Organics Bright Yellow is made from turmeric, and Exberry Organics Veg Yellow is made from carrot and apple.

GNT has been developing Exberry Coloring Foods with safflower for many years. The latest launches are available in an easy-to-use liquid format and can deliver “excellent yellow shades with a good pH and heat stability.”

They are also suitable for various application requirements, including beverages, confectionery, dairy, snacks, baked goods and plant-based food and drinks.

Clean and clear labeling
Based on the principle of coloring food with food, Exberry Organics are created from edible fruit, vegetables and plants using traditional physical processing methods. 

They are certified organic by EU regulations and qualify for completely clean and clear label declarations throughout much of the world.

Exberry Organics concentrates are also 100% vegan-friendly, halal and kosher. Further, the fully traceable raw materials are grown using sustainable methods by farmers working as part of GNT’s vertically integrated supply chain.

By Elizabeth Green