Chromologics: Precision fermentation addresses ‘main challenges’ facing natural colours
Chromologics has developed a method of producing natural colourings via a fungal biotech platform that, Co-Founder and CEO Gerit Tolborg says, addresses the ‘main challenges’ in the colourings sector, producing natural colours that are vegan, sustainable and high-performance.
The food colouring market has seen a long-term structural shift from synthetic colours to natural sources, driven by consumer demand for clean labels that are free from artificial additives. According to Mintel, the size of the natural colourings market overtook sales of synthetics back in 2011.
Nevertheless, the natural colourings market faces some challenges. Colourings made from carmine, a dye derived from cochineal insects, fail to meet growing demand for vegan products. Meanwhile, colourings from plant-based sources can face stability issues with light, pH and temperature sometimes impacting shade. And, possibly the biggest issue of all, natural colourings are significantly more expensive than synthetic alternatives.