Oterra, the leading global supplier of naturally derived colors, recently unveiled innovative red and pink color blends specifically designed for plant-based meat and seafood alternatives.

The company claims that its ColorFruit and FruitMax blends can closely replicate the appearance and characteristics of traditional animal-derived products. These blends incorporate a unique combination of pigments that undergo color transformation while cooking, emulating the changes typically observed in animal-based meats.

These product offerings allow manufacturers to create customized hues for a wide range of plant-based meat and seafood substitutes, including burgers, sausages, ground meat, meatballs, deli slices, salmon and tuna steaks.

“Designed by Oterra’s world-class technical team, the new Red and Pink blends expand upon traditional colors for plant-based products, by utilizing a special pigment combination that means the color not only looks great in the first instance but also mimics animal-based meat by changing color during the cooking process,” the company said in a press release.

Based in Hørsholm, Denmark, Oterra has become the leading developer and manufacturer of natural coloring ingredients. With a customer base of over 1,600 food and beverage companies, Oterra is renowned for its exceptional innovation, expertise in application and formulation, diverse product portfolio and extensive global presence.

Oterra, whose name is inspired by the Latin word for earth, distinguishes itself from other natural coloring providers by offering top-quality products derived from entirely natural sources, including fruit and vegetable concentrates obtained from sweet potatoes, grape skin, spirulina, carrots and beetroots.

These products find extensive applications in the food and beverage industry, particularly in products where the transition from artificial to natural colorants is most prevalent. This includes dairy and fruit preparations, confectionery, ice cream and prepared foods and beverages.

The company prides itself on delivering exceptional products characterized by remarkable stability, vibrant colors, extensive customer application expertise and a commitment to sustainable agronomy and breeding programs. These programs ensure the procurement of raw materials of the utmost quality, reinforcing Oterra’s dedication to sustainability.

In 2021, the company was acquired by investment organization EQT for around $939 million on a cash and debt-free basis. Shortly after, Oterra rebranded from Chr. Hansen Natural Colors and announced its first major transaction, after becoming a standalone company, with the integration of SECNA Natural Ingredients Group S.L into its portfolio.

Oterra would continue expanding its portfolio with three acquisitions between 2021 and 2022. In September 2021, it acquired Diana Food’s natural food coloring business. In January 2022, Oterra acquired Food Ingredient Solutions, a leading American producer of colors and natural antioxidants. Later that year in July, it acquired the Akay Group, a leading player in the natural colors and nutraceutical ingredients market.

The natural food coloring ingredients market is witnessing significant growth on a global scale, driven by compelling long-term trends. These include heightened consumer consciousness regarding health and the environment, the continuous shift from synthetic additives to natural ingredients and a rising demand for sustainable and plant-based food options.

Additionally, scientific advancements and regulatory pressures have expedited the transition from synthetic to natural colors, with the natural food coloring segment experiencing the highest growth within the market. Although it has already established itself as a leader in the space, Oterra hopes to maintain its status as a key player in the natural food coloring industry.