Colouring foodstuffs gain ground in colourings market
colourings market according to new research carried out by market
consultants Frost & Sullivan. The study reveals that the
general shift from synthetic to natural colourings will slow down
in the next few years, and a new trend towards use of colouring
foodstuffs will accelerate.
Colouring foodstuffs are making an impact in the European colourings market according to new research carried out by market consultants Frost & Sullivan. The study reveals that the general shift from synthetic to natural colourings will slow down in the next few years, and a new trend towards use of colouring foodstuffs will accelerate.
The study also suggests that traditional food colourings manufacturers should snap out of their current complacency and begin to emulate the aggressive marketing techniques of the colouring foodstuffs producers if they wish to preserve market share.
"Colouring foodstuffs include fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates and dried, powdered extracts," explained Lyndsey Greig, Frost & Sullivan Food Research Analyst.
She continued: "They do not contain any carriers or additives, and may be listed as ingredients, rather than as food additives. Although they generally have poorer colouring characteristics than food colours, their use is becoming increasingly common, particularly in countries, such as Germany, where consumer awareness of these products is high."
However the report finds that the real growth of the colouring foodstuffs market is expected when current health claims have been fully substantiated.
"The European colouring market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of only 1 per cent for the period 2001-2008," said Grieg.
"In contrast, the colouring foodstuffs market is currently experiencing growth of an estimated 10 to 15 per cent, fuelled by consumer interest in natural products, and consumer perception that all E-numbered products are unhealthy. The market is predicted to benefit substantially from the growth in the functional food and beverages market, as they are compatible with a products healthy image."
The study describes the total European food colours market, which was valued at $237.4 million (€268.2m) in 2001, and makes forecasts up to 2008. It categorises by food colour type including natural colours, nature-identical colours and synthetic colours.
The study also provides strategic recommendations for corporate management, Sales, Marketing and R&D.
