GRA Nutra has announced the launch of AuraBC, a natural, clean-label, beta-carotene food colour produced using non-GMP fermentation technology.
The colour will provide what GRA Nutra calls "warm yellow-to-orange tones" to food and beverage applications such as beverages and gummies.
"The food colour market is rapidly shifting away from FD&C petroleum-based and other synthetic dyes toward natural, clean-label pigments," said Lynda Doyle, CEO of GRA Nutra Corp.
This is driven by consumer distrust of artificial colours, retailer and regulatory pressure and aggressive reformulation by major brands.
"Our fermentation-based colours break through the cost barrier of delivering natural alternatives that are environmentally sound."
In the US, the transition from synthetic dyes is being accelerated by the FDA's revocation of Red No. 3, as well as a broader initiative to phase out petroleum-based certified colours in the coming years.
This comes alongside state-level restrictions, especially as applied to school food service. In Europe, the ban against titanium dioxide and certain FD&C dyes has also reinforced a pivot toward reducing synthetic additives.
With natural colours becoming both a regulatory necessity and a branding asset for companies, any limitations in shade range, stability, processing performance and capacity can make scaling to meet growing demand problematic.
GRA Nutra said this is prompting intensive R&D into fermentation-based and algae-derived pigments, as well as bolstering supply chain resilience and reducing costs and variability.
The company will produce the new product at its vertically integrated production facilities. GRA Nutra's manufacturing process relies heavily on renewable energy, either generated on-site using solar panels or through certified renewable PPAs.
GRA Nutra’s first commercial production plant will go online in early 2027.
"Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy use to the very materials we work with," said Doyle.
Unlike petrochemical-based production, our colourant sources are renewable, fermentation-based and algae-derived active ingredients.
"We prioritise short, efficient supply chains and partner only with suppliers who share our vision of achieving a zero-carbon footprint."
AuraBC will be available in several formats such as spray-dried powders, beadlets, granulations, oil suspensions and emulsions.
GR Nutra asserted that the product's beadlet formulation delivers consistent performance and exceptional stability across diverse applications and conditions, while maintaining superior solubility, dispersibility, bioavailability and organoleptic properties.
The format also helps to maintain the vibrancy of colour and reduce processing losses.
"Our proprietary fermentation technology is the key to optimising beta-carotene yields from naturally occurring strains," said Guido Schaer, co-founder and Chair of GRA Nutra AG.
The process is vertically integrated, combining ingredient production, extraction, purification and formulation within a single facility. This integrated model reduces transport, minimises energy use and improves overall efficiency and sustainability.
"GRA Nutra provides food manufacturers with a viable means of reformulating products that align with clean label, wellness and environmental ideals. While giving brand owners a practical, sustainable alternative to synthetic colourants in flexible formats, at robust supplies and competitive prices,” he concluded.
GRA Nutra will demonstrate a range of flavoured waters and gummies coloured with AuraBC beta-carotene at IFT FIRST, in Chicago, July 13-15, at booth #1780.
