F&B colour trends

The global food colours market is forecast to reach $3,210 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2017 to 2023, says a report from Allied Market Research.

While food and beverage products are expected to be served in their natural colours, this isn’t always possible if manufacturers are to ensure visual palatability. However, consumers are said to be looking at whether colours used are natural or synthetic.

In its Natural Food Colours Market Report, Future Market Insights said that manufacturers are finding it more difficult to determine segments and trends to prioritise since the food industry is increasingly consumer-centric and always changing. As consumers vocalise their aversion to chemical-based and synthetic, growth of natural colours market will be faster in the coming years. The strong segments for natural colours are beverages, convenience foods, and dairy.

As food is judged with our eyes first, their colours are more powerful than we think, drawing our attention toward – or away – certain products – and contributing to our purchase decision. So much sharing of what we eat on social media today has also given F&B companies further reason to analyse their colour choices, among other considerations.

Emphasis on blue

This year, blue is in for many industries, as Pantone announced its colour of the year. It’s good because there are many natural sources of blue. As Pantone explains, blue shades including its 2020 colour of the year PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue contain high amounts of anthocyanins (colour pigments naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, cherries, Purple Yam, Concord grape, etc.).  According to Pantone: “With this relationship to wellness and self-care these blue foods help to build a solid foundation, acting as a form of protection for good health. In addition to their natural health benefits, these blue foods also bring style and sophistication to the table.”

The F&B industry to an extent will be influenced by trendy blue shades this year. In fact, GNT is ready for the trend, with its “Shades of Aqua” range of green and blue EXBERRY® Coloring Foods.  made from spirulina.  The range is a clean-label replacement for artificial colorants and other additives, according to GNT.

In a report released by IFT, Innova Market Insights told IFT that it’s not only the blue that is important, but what this blue can do when added to other colours, such as creating brown.

Other colours, too

As plant-based meat foods are expected to soar in the coming years, so too will ingredients necessary in enhancing their meaty flavour, textures and colours.  The new report from Sensient expects natural colours bordering on red and maple browns for red meat, and natural whites for fish pork and chicken made from plant sources. For pet food, which has grown to include food for older pets, organic treats, and plant-based protein, the colours should follow natural as well.

With alcohol consumption declining, the Sensient report also forecasts such drinks as mocktails to benefit from using bright natural food colours. The report also points out trends in the fast-growing e-commerce market, recommending vibrant and bold colours for products sold online, of course for more visual appeal.-  Marijo Gonzalez