The global food and beverage industry has been witnessing a significant shift towards natural and plant-based ingredients, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options. At the forefront of this movement is GNT Group, renowned for its EXBERRY® range of plant-based colors. In a recent interview, Santhosh Thankappan, Middle East Sales Director at GNT Group, shared insights into the company’s innovative approach to food coloring, its commitment to sustainability, and its participation in the upcoming Fi India event taking place from 25 to 27 September at BIEC, Bengaluru.

Natural colors for a healthier tomorrow

GNT Group has established itself as a pioneer in the realm of natural food colors, producing its flagship EXBERRY^® colors from non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and plants. Thankappan elaborated on the company’s product portfolio, explaining, “Many of our EXBERRY^® colors are derived from edible raw materials using physical processing methods. These products, known as Coloring Foods, qualify for simple label declarations under Food Safety & Standards Authority of India regulations, such as ‘concentrate of beetroot and carrot."

Thankappan highlighted the growing demand for natural alternatives in India, where the majority of added colors in food products are still artificial. “The Confederation of Indian Industry estimates that 99% of the added colors in the country are artificial. However, it’s clear that many Indians would prefer natural, plant-based colors,” he noted. According to him, consumers can have concerns about the safety of food colors, as illustrated by the recent controversy in India surrounding cotton candy products containing the harmful textile dye Rhodamine-B, which is a textile dye that can cause cancer. “With plant-based colors, brands can reassure consumers that the ingredients are natural and safe,” Thankappan added.

Pioneering innovation in food coloring

GNT Group’s commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing research and development efforts. Since its inception in 1978, the company has continually introduced new solutions to the industry, with a focus on maximizing the potential of colors derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants. “We’ve developed a deep technical understanding of how to achieve the best results with these natural colors, considering factors such as pH, heat tolerance, and ingredient interactions. We offer a full support service to help manufacturers find the best and most cost-effective solution for their application needs – ensuring they get effective results with minimal hassle,” explained Thankappan. 

He cited an addition to their product range—a line of reds made from sweet potatoes. “These reds achieve a strawberry shade at neutral pH levels and offer excellent stability against heat and light,” he described. These natural reds are versatile and suitable for a variety of applications, including UHT milk, cream, confectionery, and beverages. “They can provide an effective replacement for artificial red colors like erythrosine or carmoisine in applications with a pH of 7 or below,” Thankappan shared, emphasizing the practical benefits of these plant-based alternatives.

Adapting to a changing industry landscape

The food and beverage industry has faced numerous disruptions in recent years, from the global pandemic to climate change and geopolitical unrest. Despite these challenges, GNT Group has maintained a steady supply of its EXBERRY^® colors, thanks to its robust supply chain. “We’ve built up a robust supply chain over many years. Most of our farmers work on long-term contracts, and our agronomists have complete access to their fields, ensuring our quality and sustainability standards are maintained,” Thankappan explained.

He further highlighted the company’s proactive approach to stockholding, which proved invaluable during the pandemic. “We still had stock availability when everything ground to a halt during the pandemic,” he noted, underscoring the company’s resilience and commitment to supporting its customers in challenging times.

Thankappan shared his insights on how these challenges are shaping the future of the industry. “Consumers all over the world want natural food and drink, but visual appeal is still hugely important to product success. The appearance sets up expectations around flavor and quality and can even affect how the product tastes,” he noted. “Color has always been at the core of the consumption experience, but social media – and Instagram in particular – has taken its importance to new levels. With plant-based colors, it’s possible to create Instagrammable food and drink without compromising on naturalness.” 

Showcasing innovation at Fi India

As GNT Group prepares for its participation in Fi India, the company aims to demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of its EXBERRY^® colors. “We’re going to be showing how our colors can be used in vegan-friendly gummies and yogurt with fruit prep at Fi India,” revealed Thankappan. The event will provide a platform for GNT to engage with both current and potential customers, showcasing how its plant-based colors can elevate food and beverage products while meeting consumer expectations for naturalness.

Thankappan emphasized the importance of platforms like Fi India in achieving the company’s business goals. “Fi India gives us the opportunity to meet with our current and potential customers and show them how EXBERRY^® can elevate their products and stand out from the crowd,” he said. The company’s presence at the event, in collaboration with its Indian distributor, NovaSol Ingredients, will also feature a range of other colorful applications, including flavored milk drinks.

A vision for a sustainable future

GNT Group is committed to leading the food coloring industry towards greater sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals for the current decade, aiming to drive a healthier future for both people and the planet. “We’ve set out a target to lead the food coloring industry on sustainability and we’re working to achieve 17 ambitious goals over the course of the current decade,” Thankappan stated.

Transparency is a key component of GNT’s sustainability strategy. The company publishes an annual report on its progress, providing independently verified figures and Product Environmental Footprint information for its customers. “Providing that information isn’t just about transparency – it also helps brands to present sustainability data on their product packaging,” explained Thankappan, highlighting the company’s dedication to supporting its customers in their own sustainability journeys.

Connecting with GNT at Fi India

For those attending Fi India, GNT Group team will be present at Booth G12, in a booth hosted by NovaSol Ingredients. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a range of innovative applications and discuss their specific requirements with GNT’s experts. As Thankappan concluded, “We’re passionate about spreading the word about plant-based colors and helping Indian food and beverage manufacturers create visually appealing, cost-effective products that match up to consumer expectations on naturalness.”

GNT Group continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with plant-based colors, driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer support. As the food and beverage industry evolves, GNT remains a trusted partner for manufacturers looking to meet the growing demand for natural, vibrant, and safe food colors.