GNT has opened a new sales and application centre in Shanghai, aiming to help manufacturers in China meet growing demand for foods made with plant-based colours.

The new application laboratory will enable GNT to offer Chinese customers faster, tailored application support. It will host customer training sessions and workshops, alongside services including concept innovation, formulation support and stability testing.

GNT offers a wide range of colour concentrates under its plant-based Exberry brand in China. These solutions are made from non-GMO fruits, vegetables and other plant ingredients, using physical processing methods and water. Available in hundreds of shades, they are designed to help food and beverage manufacturers achieve vibrant, stable shades across 'almost any' application.

Under China’s new official industry standard, these concentrates are classified as ‘Colouring Foods’ and qualify for clean-label declarations such as ‘carrot colouring ingredient’.

Andreas Thiede, general manager APAC at GNT Group, said: “Together, this office and application lab demonstrate our commitment and long-term strategic growth ambition in China”.

He added: “China is a dynamic market, with strong momentum behind natural and clean-label food and beverage products. Customers here move fast – and they expect partners to be able to move with them. Now, with a local team in place, we can support this growth with faster decisions, closer collaboration and tailored solutions.”