The Global Plant Based Food Colors industry is estimated to be worth USD 10.7 billion by 2024. It is projected to reach USD 17.9 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 5.5% over the assessment period 2024 to 2034.
Plant based food colors are produced using natural plant-based materials. Plants contain many color pigments like which are responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits, flowers and leaves. There are different pigments such chlorophylls (green), carotenoids (yellow and orange), anthocyanins (blue, red), flavonoids and many other.
The colors made of plant based materials are considered as natural colors. They are extracted from plant-based materials like turmeric, beetroot, henna, paprika, and many other fruits and vegetables. The demand for plant based food colors is rising as consumers are moving towards the natural and organic food products due to increasing health concerns.
Many synthetic colors are used regularly in food products to make them look attractive to consumers. But as customers are becoming health-oriented and are prepared to pay more for quality foods, the food manufacturers are constantly shifting towards the use of natural ingredients.
The natural color manufacturers are exploring the new sources and technologies to produce and supply variety of natural colors to food and beverage industry. The use of plant based food colors is also driven by the rising demand for vegan food products.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Plant Based Food Colors Industry Size (2024E) | USD 10.7 billion |
| Projected Global Plant Based Food Colors Industry Value (2034F) | USD 17.9 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.5% |
Companies are developing the novel technologies for the color extraction method wherein no chemical are used. As these colors contain all natural chemical composition their stability, solubility and color characteristics are impacted by environmental changes.
To improve stability and minimize the color deterioration, the manufacturers are investing R&D activities to optimize the extraction processes and find novel packaging solutions.
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The below table presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2023) and current year (2024) for the Global Plant Based Food Colors market.
This analysis reveals crucial shifts in performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision of the growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.3% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.7% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 5.1% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.5% (2024 to 2034) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 4.3%, followed by a higher growth rate of 4.7% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase to 5.1% in the first half and remain considerably high at 5.5% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the sector witnessed an increase of 35 BPS while in the second half (H2), the business witnessed a decrease of 10 BPS.
Rising Demand for Natural Food Products is Boosting the Production of Plant Based Food Colors
All food products are enhanced using colors in almost every product so that it is more attractive. Synthetic colors used in the food and beverages have negative impact on human health. They are known to cause several serious health issues such cancer. There is an increase demand for the natural food products from consumers.
Because of increased awareness among consumers about natural colors, the manufacturers are getting motivated to introduce natural colors into food and beverage products. Food processing companies are using plant-based colors for their food products because consumers are including natural and organic food items in their diet to maintain overall health.
Manufacturers of plant-based food colors are continuously aimed at finding new sources of plants to produce vibrant colors and cater to increasing demand for new shades of color in the food and beverages industry.
Diverse Use of Plant Based Colors in Food and Beverage Products
Plant-based food colors have been used in the entire food sectors, including bakery and confectionery, beverages, dairy, and fruit fillings. Various plant-based materials are being used for the manufacture of food colors that are visually attractive.
For example, recently, shades of purple in food items have popularly become trendy. This, in turn, accelerates the adoption of purple carrots, sweet potatoes, and yams as the source for shades of purple within different food products. Meanwhile, with an increasing number of consumers turning to a vegan lifestyle and vegetarian diet, the use of plant-based food colors increased in the food processing industry.
The companies involved in processed food and beverage manufacturing are relying on applying natural, plant-based, non-GMO color products since consumers constantly seek ways to eat and drink healthier. Many corporations within the food industry are introducing new food products with plant-based food colors since consumers are consuming snacks prepared using plant-based colors.
Enhancing Color Extraction by Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) Technology
The market for plant-based food coloring is growing very fast at present, primarily on account of increasing demand from the consumption side towards natural and clean-label products. SFE is a green and economical route for extracting natural colorants with quality close to that of plant sources, and this would be in high demand for cater for this growing demand from the food industry.
It uses supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as the solvent and is non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly. Particularly, selective extraction of bioactive compounds such as pigments, like carotenoids and anthocyanins, from various plant materials can be performed, without employing harmful organic solvents.
Givaudan SA is one such company which exploits SFE technology in the market for plant-based color extraction. In 2023, Givaudan claimed it had developed new improvements in its SFE processes with a view to enhanced extraction of natural colors from various plant sources.
Improved yield and purity are the objectives through the fine-tuning of extraction parameters like pressure and temperature in order to ensure vivid vibrant colors with health benefits retained in the extracted colors.
Principal Consultant
Global sales increased at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that expenditure on such products will rise at 5.5% CAGR.
Between 2019 to 2023 growing awareness of the use of synthetically derived colours in food and beverages has made many food manufacturers shift towards plant-based food colors. The demand for natural food products skyrocketed after the Covid-19 pandemic, driving the sales of plant-based food colors.
At the same time, the prices for plant-based food colors rocketed due to disturbance in the supply chain. Many big companies, such as Nestle and Unilever, began using plant-based food colors in premium food products. Health-conscious customer demand for wholesome, natural food products drove the growth of this industry, which was rising during this time.
From the year 2024 to 2034, the sector is set to accelerate through technological advancements in production processes. Companies such as ADM and DSM are poised to take advantage of these innovations to scale up their manufacture of premium-grade carotenoids and anthocyanins for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.
With growing sustainable and advanced processing technologies investments, companies position themselves for the next decade to meet rapidly increasing demand over time, with growth being sustainable and commercially resilient.
Tier 1 Companies in the global plant-based food colors market are the major industry players with widespread global operations and holding the majority share of the business ecosystem. Industry leaders are a source of trend setters in the market through sustained innovation, creativity, and advanced research and development.
Companies such as Givaudan (Naturex) and Sensient Technologies are prime examples. Givaudan is a leading player in the area of natural food color solutions, thanks to its innovative extraction methods and wide global reach.
Its ability to innovate consistently while meeting various market requirements has further positioned it as a global leader in the development of new trends. Similarly, Sensient Technologies focuses on stable and high-performance plant-based colors for clean-label, eco-friendly products that are in demand.
Tier 2 Companies are regional players that have adequate market coverage and usually provide a niche product customised to meet the requirement of a select group of customers. These companies, in general, concentrate on specific regions, providing high-quality solutions targeting local preferences.
For example, Döhler Group is one of the strong players in Europe, with it producing extensive varieties of innovative plant-based food colours derived from local agricultural sources. Simultaneously, Kalsec Inc. speaks to high-performance natural color solutions with a view towards sustainability and regionally practiced farming, speaking to a level of real significance in specific markets.
Tier 3 Companies are the local or regional players; therefore, smaller in scale. They cannot compete with Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies in terms of expansive R&D capabilities but dominate in the fulfillment of regional demands and niche customer service.
A good example would be GreenEx Food and Plantae Biosciences, with their innovative plant-based color solutions tailored for regions. These smaller players play an extremely important role in their target industry segments by leveraging deep market insights and a strong customer-centric approach.
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The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top four countries. India and USA are set to exhibit to record CAGRs of 5.7% and 5.1%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| The USA | 5.1% |
| India | 5.7% |
| China | 4.6% |
The plant-based food colors market in India is expanding rapidly, backed by the ready availability of plenty of agricultural raw materials such as turmeric, beetroot, spinach, and carrots which can cut down the productions costs and go big to cater to an ever-growing global and domestic demand for them.
These raw materials include turmeric-based curcumin for bright yellows and beetroot for red pigments where cost-effectiveness dictates with consumers seeking cleaner and more sustainable ingredients. A stable and available supply chain is guaranteed by government policies, making it easier for India to compete in the international market for natural food colorants.
With its resource wealth, technological progress, and supportive policies, India has become one of the leading countries in the country-based food colors market, producing exceptional quality natural products that are environmentally friendly to ensure the increasingly demanded global product.
Demand for plant-based food colors is on the rise in the USA, largely due to the trend for premium product formulations in the food and beverage industry. These consumers have now shifted towards a clean-label, organic, and sustainable profile, with manufacturers striking back at high-quality products emphasizing natural ingredients.
Truly Premium Formulations with the vivid colors generated from spirulina, beetroot, turmeric, and carrots have become the hallmarks of difference for categories like beverages, confectioneries, and even dairy. Products with such characteristics attract health-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for artificial additive-free foods in line with this larger trend of wellness and transparency.
For example, luxury beverage brands utilize water-soluble turmeric or spirulina-based pigments that are more popular for the visual appeal and functionality of drinks for consumers who place strong value on aesthetics, health, and wellness.
Among the trends emerging in China is integrating health with sustainability into product offerings, in the plant-based food colors market that is compelled by changes in consumer preferences and regulatory reforms. As Chinese consumers become increasingly health-conscious, demand for natural and clean-label food products free of synthetic additives will climb.
At the same time, the focus of the country towards sustainability drives food manufacturers to adopt more environmentally friendly methods in sourcing and production.
All this reflects integration of health and sustainability into China's plant-based food colors market, a factor not only focused on consumers' safety concerns about the environment but also on long-term growth opportunities. Manufacturers need to align themselves with these visions to thrive in the ongoing competitive and dynamic market.
| Segment | Dry (By Form) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 45.1% |
The benefits that dry plant-based food colors offer suppliers and consumers alike in terms of efficiency, stability, and flexibility are the reasons they are fast becoming popular. Suppliers prefer dry colors because these stay fresh for longer periods and have fewer difficulties in transportation since they do not degrade easily like liquid forms of coloring products.
An important advantage from dryed colors, coming directly from sources such as beetroot, turmeric, or spirulina, is that they are very light and compact, which saves on storage and logistics costs. Advantageous for producers, companies like Sensient Technologies and Kalsec Inc. emphasize advanced drying techniques and process spray-drying and freeze-drying in specific installations to ensure stability and vibrancy even after extended storage.
These technologies do not only enhance the colors' intensity but also align with the growing demand for sustainable production practices by reducing the use of raw resources. Companies like ADM produce heat-stable dry pigments that retain their vibrancy and color during processing to target professional bakers and snack manufacturers.
Dryed form of plant-based food colors has great advantages in production efficiency and application versatility and consumer convenience, which are key drivers of growth in the global market.
| Segment | Bakery and Confectionery (By Application) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 22.4% |
Bakery and confectionery products hold a large market share in terms of applications for plant-based food colors, mainly driven by demand from visually appealing, clean-label products. These products are largely dependent on brilliant, natural colours to improve their attractiveness as well as distinguish premium items such as cakes, pastries, chocolates, and candies.
The use of beetroot for red shades, spirulina for blue and green shades, and turmeric for yellow shades is becoming more common as a replacement for synthetic additives.
According to the increasing demand from consumers regarding natural ingredients, one of the major industry events that showed off this trend was the Bakery and Confectionery Innovation Forum 2023, where GNT Group presented its EXBERRY range of plant-based food colors.
Plant-based food color usage in bakery and confectionery products enhances the visual appeal of these foods and provides a growing source of consumer interest in trends around transparency and sustainability. While the segment continues to grow, companies committing to high-quality and stable plant-based solutions can utilize this dynamic market towards a large market share.
The market for plant-based food colors is very dynamic and highly competitive. However, among the key players are Givaudan (Naturex), Sensient Technologies, and Chr. Hansen Holding.
They are strong investors in research and development, which has been driving innovation in sustainable, high-performance plant-based color solutions. The focus on advanced extraction technologies and environmentally friendly production methods keeps companies afloat above the competition.
To increase market coverage as well as secure a continuous supply of raw materials of adequate quality, companies pursue their strategies in the form of vertical integration and strategic acquisitions.
Givaudan, for example, consolidated its market position by taking over smaller companies dealing with natural ingredients for food color, thereby increasing its portfolio and making its supply chain more efficient. Likewise, Chr. Hansen has positioned itself on the regional dimension by focusing on local agricultural producers to better penetrate the consumer demand of certain regions.
For instance
As per product type, the industry has been categorized into Carotenoid, Anthocyanin, Chlorophyll, Annatto, Phycocyanin, Curcumin and Others.
As per Form, the industry has been categorized into Liquid and Dry.
This segment is further categorized into Bakery & Confectionery Products, Beverages, Packaged Food/Frozen Products, Dairy Food Products and Others.
As per Solubility the market is segmented into Water and Dye.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe Eastern Europe, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.
The Global industry is estimated at a value of USD 10.7 billion in 2024.
Sales increased at 4.9% CAGR between 2019 and 2023.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Symrise AG, Givaudan (Naturex), Chr. Hansen Holding, Sensient Technologies, Döhler Group, and ADM (Archer Daniels Midland).
The Europe territory is projected to hold a revenue share of 32.8% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2034.
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Plant Based Food Colors Market
