GRA Nutra Debuts Fermentation-Based Beta-Carotene at IFT FIRST

The shift toward clean-label pigments is gaining momentum, spurred by regulatory pressure and consumer demand for transparency. With the FDA moving to phase out various petroleum-based colors and Europe tightening restrictions on additives like titanium dioxide, GRA Nutra is positioning its fermentation-derived colors as a scalable alternative. According to CEO Lynda Doyle, the company’s approach is designed to bridge the gap between environmental responsibility and the high-performance needs of the food and beverage industry.

Technical stability remains a primary challenge for natural colorants, but the company claims its new beadlet technology protects sensitive carotenoids from oxidation and light. AuraBC™ will be available in multiple formats, including powders, emulsions, and oil suspensions, with concentrations ranging from 1% to 30%. By concentrating production within a single, vertically integrated facility in Portugal, the company expects to minimize energy use and transportation costs. GRA Nutra’s first commercial-scale plant is scheduled to go online in early 2027, with the company showcasing its latest applications in gummies and beverages at booth #1780 during the July 13-15 Chicago event.