New Chr. Hansen Center for Natural Colors

Following inaugurations of two color production plants in Peru and Denmark in April, Chr. Hansen (Hoersholm, Denmark) has opened an upgraded “Global Color Expertise Center” in Montpellier, France.

Chr. Hansen says its Montpellier plant-with expanded laboratories and more R&D and application staffers-will be the company’s central location for international customer demands for natural color solutions.

“The Montpellier laboratories will be buzzing with customer R&D representatives and Chr. Hansen specialists jointly developing the next generations of breakthrough natural color innovations,” said Carsten Bennike, executive vice president of the colors and blends division.

The Montpellier plant will focus on applications for beverages, dairy, fruit preparations, and phytonutrients. Chr. Hansen has a similar global color center in Hoersholm, Denmark, where it focuses on confectionery and ice cream applications.

“Our decision to expand our facilities here is directly linked to the continued strong demand for natural colors,” said Luc Ganivet, business development director for Chr. Hansen’s colors and blends division. “Everything indicates that the current trend of converting from synthetic to natural colors in the global food industry will continue. At the same time we are observing increasingly sophisticated requirements from our customers. This upgrade will secure that our customers here-no matter their level of experience or nature of request-will receive continued fast and accurate advice as well as even stronger technical support.”