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GNT Group has announced its entry into fermentation technology to enhance its portfolio of sustainable colour solutions for the food and beverage industry.

This strategic move aims to bolster innovation and sustainability in the production of natural colours derived from fruits, vegetables and plants.

Since its inception in 1978, GNT has developed plant-based colours, leveraging raw materials to create vibrant and versatile solutions for various applications, including confectionery, dairy and beverages.

The new focus on fermentation represents a significant shift in GNT's approach, promising improved functionality and year-round production efficiency.

Fermentation technology allows for the cultivation of raw materials in controlled bioreactors, optimising conditions for high biomass yield and pigment concentration.

To realise this vision, GNT has partnered with Plume Biotechnology, a UK-based start-up specialising in fermentation science and bioprocessing.

This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of innovative, plant-based colour solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable ingredients in the food sector.

Plume Biotechnology's CEO, Thomas Burns, said: “The rapid evolution of fermentation-based technologies is providing unprecedented opportunities for natural colours. In GNT, we have found a strategic partner with a shared commitment to sustainability and product excellence.”

GNT's expansion into fermentation comes at a time when the food and beverage industry is increasingly prioritising sustainability. In its 2023 Sustainability Report, GNT disclosed a 22% reduction in carbon intensity at its factories since 2020, alongside a 13% improvement in water efficiency.

The company has set 17 sustainability targets to optimise its environmental and social impacts by the end of the decade.

Finn Rieken, strategy director at GNT Group, said: “Fermentation-based colours have huge potential to deliver exceptional performance while promoting responsible agriculture and reducing emissions. We believe this collaboration will yield exciting new plant-based solutions for manufacturers worldwide.”

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