Natural ingredients supplier Custom Flavors is making moves to double its production capacity in order to meet the increasing demand from food companies looking to reformulate their products and eliminate artificial dyes. The California-based company has broken ground on a new processing facility in Concord, North Carolina, which is set to be completed by November.
The new 53,000-square-foot facility will not only double the company’s production capacity but also triple its innovation space, allowing Custom Flavors to better serve customers in the Midwest and East Coast. This expansion comes at a crucial time as more and more food companies are under pressure to move away from artificial colors and dyes.
With the FDA urging the food industry to phase out synthetic dyes by 2027, major manufacturers are actively looking to reformulate their products. However, concerns have been raised about the limited supply of natural dyes, making it challenging for companies to make the transition on time. This presents an opportunity for smaller ingredients players like Custom Flavors to step in and fill the gap.
Alex Wendling, the president of Custom Flavors, stated that the company fast-tracked the construction of their East Coast facility to meet the needs of their rapidly growing customer base. Custom Flavors specializes in developing and manufacturing liquid and powdered flavors for various industries, including bakery, beverage, confectionary, and sports nutrition. While the company offers over 20,000 organic, natural, and artificial flavors, their expertise lies in natural flavors.
The trend towards natural colors and ingredients has also been observed by other ingredients suppliers, leading to increased sales for these companies. Flavor and seasonings giant McCormick has reported a surge in activity around reformulation among food companies of all sizes, indicating a growing interest in natural ingredients across the industry.
As the demand for natural flavors and colors continues to rise, Custom Flavors’ expansion will not only allow them to meet the needs of their customers but also position them as a key player in the shift towards cleaner, more natural ingredients in the food industry.
