Flower power boosts the drinks market

As the market for naturally coloured drinks expands, so has the natural colour palette of Chr Hansen, which has launched a hibiscus extract.

Aimed at manufacturers of soft drinks and teas containing fruit and flowers, the extract comes as a water soluble powder, which turns bright red in low pH applications.

Fuelled by growing health awareness and a 'back to nature' trend, consumers were seeking out more exotic foods and drinks with superior health benefits and nutritional value, claimed Chr Hansen business development manager Bertrand Martzel: "The rising interest in colours and flavours from flowers could be the next big thing after the superfruit buzz."

According to Leatherhead Food International's recent Food Additives Report, global sales for food colours are growing by 2.5% year-on-year, driven by natural colours, which are rising by nearly 5%.