GNT targets premium pet food boom with new EXBERRY plant-based colour range
GNT, the Netherlands-based supplier of plant-based colour ingredients, has expanded its EXBERRY® portfolio into the pet food sector, launching a range of fruit, vegetable, and plant concentrates designed to deliver colour, taste, and nutritional value to cat and dog food products.
What’s in the new range
The EXBERRY Pet Food Range comprises non-GMO concentrates produced from raw materials including apples, carrots, radishes, turmeric, and spirulina. The ingredients are manufactured using gentle processing methods and without chemical solvents, positioning them as a clean-label solution for manufacturers targeting the growing premium pet food segment.
The range is formulated for use in kibbles, snacks, and treats, with the concentrates capable of producing what GNT describes as a full spectrum of intense shades. Full compliance with applicable EU regulations for pet food has been confirmed.
Responding to clean-label demand in pet food
Consumer pressure for natural pet food products has been building steadily. According to Euromonitor, pricing pressure, premiumisation, and pet health are among the key trends currently shaping global pet care. Modern pet food products now routinely carry claims such as “natural” and “no artificial colours,” and the EXBERRY Pet Food Range is positioned specifically to support manufacturers seeking to align their formulations with these expectations.
Christina Niehoff, Product Manager at GNT Group, said: “Consumer focus on pet health and wellness is increasing at a rapid pace, with owners looking for high-quality products made with natural ingredients. Our colour-intense, plant-based ingredients make it possible for manufacturers to create more natural products while still achieving visual differentiation.”
Formulation expertise transferred from food and drink
GNT’s entry into the pet food category draws directly on its existing technical expertise in human food and beverage applications. The EXBERRY brand is already established across a wide range of food matrices, including confectionery, dairy, bakery, beverages, cereals, and plant-based meat and seafood analogues – categories where colour stability, processing compatibility, and regulatory compliance are equally critical.
Niehoff added: “GNT has vast formulation experience working with equivalent applications in food and drink, and we are delighted to now be able to provide our expertise to pet food manufacturers as well. They can rely on us to provide the same high quality and exceptional service that has made EXBERRY one of the world’s leading natural colour brands.”
Technical support across the development process
GNT says that it provides full technical support to customers throughout the product development process, spanning concept innovation, colour selection and matching, stability testing, upscaling, regulatory guidance, and quality documentation – support infrastructure that will now extend to pet food manufacturers adopting the new range.
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Mierlo, the company operates offices across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
- For more information, visit: exberry.com
