GNT has opened a new application laboratory in Dubai, developed to support manufacturers using its plant-based Exberry colours in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian subcontinent.

The facility is located alongside GNT’s commercial and marketing teams in the United Arab Emirates. It features state-of-the-art instrumentation and local formulation expertise, with services including colour matching and stability testing. The laboratory also serves as a hub for product demonstrations, training programmes and technical consultations.

GNT said the new site marks a key milestone in its commitment to delivering localised technical assistance and a faster turn-around. It joins GNT’s existing network of application centres, with multiple others located in Europe, Asia and North America.

Santhosh Thankappan, sales director at GNT Middle East, said: “Our goal is to empower food and drink manufacturers with local access to global expertise – giving them a space for innovation where ideas, technology and people come together”.

“Our new Dubai laboratory was created to help our customers perfect their processes and ensure exceptional results with plant-based Exberry colours.”

GNT’s Exberry range, made from non-GMO fruit, vegetables and other plant-based ingredients, are available in a complete spectrum of shades. They can be used to replace synthetic dyes in ‘almost any’ food and beverage application, GNT said.

The expansion of its production network comes as demand for natural alternatives to artificial ingredients, including colours, rises around the world due to increasing awareness of ultra-processed foods and their potential health impacts.

Thankappan added: “The demand for natural, plant-based colours is increasing all over the world – and this region is no exception. This expansion reinforces our dedication to helping manufacturers achieve vibrant, stable shades while maintaining completely natural ingredient lists.”

GNT, founded in 1978, is headquartered in Mierlo, The Netherlands, with additional offices in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.