Developing natural colour solutions for the dairy industry

Imagining a cheese without colour isn’t easy, but before Oterra (previously a part of Chr. Hansen) brought the first natural colour for the dairy industry to the market in Philadelphia, USA in 1876 that was the reality. They led the way for the dairy industry around the world by bringing colour from Annatto seeds to the market. A pigment that is still widely used in the dairy industry today.

In April 2021 the natural colour division of Chr. Hansen was acquired by private equity firm EQT. Undergoing a complete brand transformation, they emerged as Oterra - meaning of the earth - and are re-strengthening their already strong position in the market to make natural colours even easier for manufacturers. For 146 years, supplying the dairy industry with natural colours has been a core part of Oterra’s DNA and they have tailor made colour solutions for the full palette of the dairy industry. Remi Mazet, application manager at Oterra explains their trailblazing ways. “Not only have we been part of pioneering the dairy industry, but we have also continued to look ahead and create supportive solutions for emerging non-dairy alternatives,” said Mazet. Throughout the years, Oterra has broadened its knowledge with extensive large-scale studies on colour behaviour in all dairy applications. They have developed patented and award-winning colours such as, Red Strawberry Fragaria, which is a unique red for yoghurt with better heat stability and cost-efficiency.

The consumer trend towards natural is clear as day. “For the African market, we see consumers want more and more natural clean products from brands they trust. They want to feel reassured about the food they eat, particularly, for the dairy industry where yoghurt and dairy-based drinks are typically perceived as a healthy meal or on-the-go snack,” says Henrik Damstrup, Oterra’s EEMEA marketing manager.

As the world’s leading global natural colours provider, Oterra plays an integral role in supporting dairy manufacturers, be it shelf-life or stability of colours. They have different colour solutions to meet all needs, from natural colours to clean-label solutions with fruit and vegetable concentrates. They offer stable, vibrant and cost-effective solutions, and have a strong portfolio of reds based on both carmine and carmine alternatives.

While some brands still use artificial colours, the movement towards natural can be seen in Africa. According to the Africa Food Colourants Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2022-2027 report by market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence, strong growth is expected in this region due to a growing demand for clean-label foods, and increasingly savvy consumers.

For 146 years, supplying the dairy industry with natural colours has been a core part of Oterra’s DNA.

“While African consumers have traditionally embraced artificial colours, like many other regions in the world they are looking to natural solutions that are perceived to be better for them. At Oterra, we believe nature got it right the first time,” said Vera Carvalho, head of sales for Africa at Oterra.

This sentiment is echoed by Mark Ferrao, managing director at SK Chemtrade Services, who was quoted in 2021 saying, “The use of natural colours over artificial colours is gaining momentum in Southern Africa, where food and beverage manufactures are being encouraged by a savvier consumer to include these safe, natural ingredients in their product ranges.”

With more than 145 years of history, Oterra are the industry specialist in helping brands make the move to natural colours. Oterra offers the industry’s widest range of natural colours for dairy. Colours that they proactively test for stability for every dairy and fruit preparation application. This allows manufacturers to move fast with their product development and colour selection.

As creators of the world’s first natural colour for dairy, Oterra knows their stuff. They have the in-house expertise to understand dairy manufacturers’ needs and processes, and they have specific colour solutions for all dairy applications, even non-migrating solutions. They support their clients from start to finish with in-depth knowledge of recipes, process methods and a deep understanding of consumer demands. •

SK Chemtrade – www.skchemtrade.co.za