Colouring foodstuffs are making a large impact in the European colourings market, and the the general shift from synthetic to natural colourings will slow down in the next few years as the trend of using colouring food-stuffs accelerates, according to research by Frost & Sullivan. 

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Lyndsey Greig, food research analyst at the market consultant explains: “Colouring foodstuffs include fruit and vegetable juices, concentrates and dried, powdered extracts. 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.”


The real growth of the colouring foodstuffs market is expected when current health claims have been fully substantiated, however. Greig continues: “The European colouring market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of only 1% for the period 2001-2008. 


“In contrast, the colouring foodstuffs market is currently experiencing growth of an estimated 10 to 15%, fuelled by consumer interest in natural products, and consumer perception that all E-numbered products are unhealthy. 

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“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 total European food colours market was valued at US$237.4m in 2001.