Phytolon, an Israeli food technology startup producing natural food colours, has secured investment from Rich Products Ventures (RPV), the venture capital arm of food company Rich Products.
This funding will help to commercialise Phytolon’s sustainable, clean-label natural food colouring solutions.
As part of the investment, Rich Products will explore using Phytolon’s proprietary colouring agents in its products. This will also help in bringing natural replacement for synthetic food dyes to market.
Rich Products Ventures’ investment has received support from Phytolon’s existing backers, including EIT-Food, Arkin Holdings, and Yossi Ackerman.
The funding will help scale Phytolon’s natural, precision-fermented food colourants, which are said to be on track to meet key regulatory approvals in the near future.
Phytolon co-founder and chief technology officer Tal Zeltzer said: “We are excited to be empowered by Rich Products Ventures as partners in promoting our innovative products in the food industry.
“Rich’s investment and commercial partnership are key to establishing a strong footprint in bakery, desserts, and related segments, where solutions for natural colours are in high demand.”
Phytolon’s natural food colours are produced through the fermentation of proprietary yeast strains, offering a cost-efficient and sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes without sacrificing performance.
Starting with two base colours, the company’s portfolio includes a full spectrum of shades, purple, pink, red, orange, and yellow. The range delivers a reliable, steady supply chain that outperforms agriculture-based colourants, the food technology startup said.
The simplified process enables food brands to achieve precise product colours.
Through this investment, Rich Products will explore Phytolon’s clean-label, eco-friendly colours in various products, including icings, toppings, and baked goods, to assess their potential in enhancing its product portfolio.
Rich Products Ventures managing director Dinsh Guzdar said: “At RPV, we’re investing in venture and growth stage companies that are shaping the future of food through technology and innovation.
“Sustainable food production is a key area of focus for us, so we’re excited about the cutting-edge work Phytolon is leading and the opportunity that presents Rich’s to create greater value for our customers.”
