manufactured · input
Natural orange and yellow food colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). Primary coloring compounds: bixin (oil-soluble, for cheese, butter) and norbixin (water-soluble, for beverages, dairy). Used in: Kraft singles and most US commercial cheddar cheese, Land O'Lakes butter, margarine, Velveeta, and processed cheese products. Also used in butter, ice cream, and smoked meats. Annual global production ~35,000 tonnes; grown primarily in Peru, Kenya, and Ecuador. Primary processors: Chr. Hansen (DK), DDW (US), McCormick (US), Diana Naturals (FR).
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Source countries
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Companies
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Goods affected
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Claims on record
Who makes it
6 companies produce annatto extract (natural food color, orange/yellow).
Formed January 2024 from the merger of Novozymes A/S and Chr. Hansen Holding A/S — the largest merger in Danish industrial history. Novonesis inherited Chr. Hansen's dairy cultures business (mesophilic starter cultures, probiotics, cheese cultures) plus Novozymes' industrial enzymes. The merger consolidated two of the three largest global fermentation companies into one Copenhagen-area entity.
US specialty natural color manufacturer; one of the largest producers of annatto, caramel color, and vegetable juice colors in North America. Privately held. Major supplier to beverage, dairy, and processed food industries. Competes directly with Chr. Hansen / Novonesis in natural food color market.
Peru-based vertically integrated natural color processor; one of the largest annatto processors in South America, close to primary growing regions. Processes annatto seeds from Peruvian and Ecuadorian farms into bixin and norbixin extracts for global food manufacturers. Also produces carmine (cochineal) and other Andean natural colors.
Global specialty chemical company; major natural and synthetic food color manufacturer. Sensient Colors division is one of the top global natural color suppliers including annatto, carmine, and turmeric extracts. NYSE: SXT. Also produces flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients.
World's largest spice and seasoning company; $6.6B revenue in 2024; market leader globally. Dual strategy: retail brands (McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Lawry's, Old Bay, Zatarain's) and industrial/foodservice (supplying spice systems to Tyson, Smithfield, JBS, McDonald's). McCormick's industrial segment supplies flavor systems directly to US and global processed meat processors. Also the leading supplier of spice blends to QSR chains. McCormick + Olam + Ajinomoto together control ~38% of global spice/seasoning market. McCormick's global sourcing includes direct relationships with pepper farmers in Vietnam, paprika processors in Spain/Hungary, and garlic processors in China.
Natural ingredient processor and supplier; acquired by Symrise (German flavors and fragrances company) in 2014. Processes plant extracts, fruit and vegetable concentrates, and natural colors including annatto for European food manufacturers. Part of Symrise's Diana segment.
