What's Happening?
Michroma, a startup specializing in the production of heat- and pH-stable natural colors through fermentation, has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korean food and biomanufacturing giant CJ CheilJedang (CJCJ). This collaboration aims to advance the commercial manufacturing of Michroma's pigments by leveraging CJCJ's biomanufacturing capabilities across multiple countries. The partnership is set to ensure consistent supplies as demand for alternatives to synthetic dyes grows. Michroma's CEO, Ricky Cassini, highlighted the benefits of CJCJ's expertise in raw material procurement, production processes, and regulatory compliance. The partnership will focus on CJCJ acting as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for commercial scale production, with potential future collaborations in product development and optimization.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between Michroma and CJ CheilJedang is significant as it addresses the growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes, particularly in light of the FDA's plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. Natural pigments produced through fermentation offer superior taste, consistency, and stability compared to traditional plant-based colorants. This collaboration could lead to a more sustainable supply chain for natural dyes, reducing reliance on land, water, and other resources required for plant-based options. The move is expected to benefit food producers seeking stable and vibrant colorants that meet consumer preferences for natural ingredients.
What's Next?
Michroma plans to file a color additive petition in the U.S. and has multiple signed letters of intent from food companies. The company aims to be competitive with natural options initially, with a long-term goal of becoming the cheapest natural solution in the market. Labeling discussions with the FDA and other regulators are ongoing, but customers will be able to make 'no synthetic dyes' or 'no artificial colors' claims. The focus remains on price, performance, and sustainability, with Michroma's Red+ colorant offering remarkable stability across various conditions.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership highlights the potential of precision fermentation as a solution to performance and supply chain issues in the natural dye industry. By using fungi-derived pigments, Michroma can offer colorants that maintain vibrancy through various processing methods, providing a viable alternative to synthetic dyes. This development could lead to broader adoption of fermentation-based colorants in the food industry, promoting sustainability and innovation.
