Dubai Science Park (DSP) , a holistic science-focused business community that is part of TECOM Group, witnessed the launch of the regional operations of GNT Group, a leading global provider of natural food colors, at the hub. Under EXBERRY ®, the brand name for GNT Group’s range of food coloring, the German company’s new office in DSP will serve the growing health-focused food and beverage industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

According to leading market research firm Market Data Forecast, the MEA food colors market was valued at US $ 279.8 million in 2018 – by 2023, it is expected to surge to US $ 412.41 million. Research from Innova Market Insights, Nielsen, and Mintel all show a growing consumer reluctance to purchase foods colored with artificial ingredients. With MEA consumers increasingly paying more attention to ingredient lists, and with recent regulations limiting the use of artificial coloring agents, there is a need in the region to provide natural food colors.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of Dubai Science Park, said: “With our state-of-the-art infrastructure and business-friendly framework, DSP is striving to attract leading food and agricultural science-focused companies and develop this strategic sector in Dubai In line with this objective, we are proud to welcome GNT Group, a prominent company in this field. Through its innovative solutions and processes, GNT Group is a testament to the fact that it is possible to meet both consumer and industry needs through a sustainable look. We look forward to working with GNT to help it achieve its objectives in the region, and to building a successful partnership in the years to come. ”

For his part, Frederik Hoeck, Managing Director, GNT Group, said: “We believe that the MEA region holds significant business potential, especially in the food and beverage industry, and are pleased to have found a partner in Dubai Science Park with its cohesive business environment, and advanced infrastructure. We are confident that our foray into the region will complement our innovative technological know-how and fast-track our efforts to help the world transition from food additives to naturally occurring coloring foods. ”

Using fruits, vegetables and edible plants, EXBERRY® creates more than 400 shades of food colors that are supplied to over 1,400 food and beverage companies within the following sectors: confectionery, dairy, baked goods, soft and alcoholic beverages as well as savory foods. GNT controls all aspects of the supply chain and works with many of the farmers to source high-quality raw materials. All farmers implement sustainable agricultural practices and are usually located close to production plants. Farmers are provided support to conserve and manage soil and water resources, improve crop yields and reduce cultivation costs – leading to higher incomes and fewer incidences of wastage.

In 2016, the UAE and other countries in the GCC, issued a new regulation stating that products containing certain coloring agents must carry warnings about the possible negative effects they could have on activity and attention spans in children. This, amongst other initiatives, highlighted the growing appetite for natural food coloring in the years to come.