DD Williamson looks to organics

"One of the areas we're exploring is working in certified organic burnt sugars," vice president Campbell Barnum told Food Manufacture. "We're investigating the growth of the organic market in Europe and the standards for possible development."

DD Williamson has developed an acid-proof Class One caramel colour and flavour derived from all-natural processes and ingredients, UK production for which is poised to begin in Manchester. However, it carries no organic certification as yet.

It is stable in food and drink with a pH value below 2.5 and in beverages with an alcohol content of up to 65% ABV, suiting products such as colas and juice drinks, said Barnum. EU processors may label the component 'plain caramel' for colour and 'burnt sugar' for flavour applications, suiting clean labels.

"Only Class One caramels would be eligible for any sort of organic label," said Barnum. But he said more work was needed to fathom the host of European certification schemes.

DD Williamson launched certified organic annatto extract colouring in the US last month, for use in baked goods; salad dressings; snacks; frostings and confectionery.