LycoRed, an Israel-based supplier of ingredients to food fortification, dietary supplements and food coloring across the world, has doubled the production of its red colour additive Tomat-O-Red.
The product is an antioxidant-rich lycopene compound derived from California-grown, non-genetically modified (GMO) tomatoes.
Tomat-O-Red is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables.
The color additive, which comes in a range of red-based colors, features a long shelf-life while remaining firm under various food processing conditions such as temperature, light and pH variations, the company said.
The product can be used in various types of food and beverage applications, including milk, yogurt, ice cream, surimi, chewing gum, and confectionery products, among others.
By raising the production the additive, the ingredients supplier aims to cater to the increasing market demand among food and beverage manufacturers.
The company claims that the vegan-friendly Tomat-O-Red is the only FDA-approved, all-natural lycopene red colour additive, and a dependable alternative to cochineal extract or carmine, which is derived from beetles, as well as synthetic color additives.
LycoRed president and CEO Morris Zelkha said, "With this increased demand and interest in Tomat-O-Red, production levels are continuing to ramp up daily, and we are also fielding a flood of inquiries from food and beverage wholesalers and manufacturers of all sizes, about the product’s many attributes and benefits."
Headquartered in Beer Sheva, Israel, LycoRed is a global company engaged in the production of nutrients for use in the dietary supplement; functional food and beverage; and nutricosmetic.
Its product portfolio includes natural carotenoids, such as lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene; vitamins and minerals; amino acids; and other functional ingredients.
