Oterra, a leading producer of natural colors and color solutions, has launched FruitMax Purple 105, a clean-label purple shade with superior stability for beverage and confectionery manufacturers. FruitMax Purple 105[1] is a blended combination of black carrot and hibiscus concentrates, bringing the best of both raw materials. 

“It is flavor neutral and has enviable stability when exposed to heat, light and low pH conditions, and its recognizable ingredients appeal to customers as well,” says Phil Cook, Head of Strategic Marketing at Oterra. 

FruitMax Purple 105 is ideal for beverage applications such as carbonates, juice drinks and concentrates/syrups, while in confectionary it performs well in gummies/jellies, hard candy and chewy candy. 

“We see a great use for it in berry-themed beverages and confectionery,” adds Cook. “Black carrot can create a deep, stable purple shade, while the hibiscus is super popular with younger consumers and is well known from its use in teas and other products with a wellness halo, so is great for clean label uses as it is recognizable and is appreciated as a natural product.”

It is also a good Kosher-certified alternative to grape skin-based products. FruitMax Purple 105 is also Halal-certified and suitable for vegetarians.

According to a survey by Oterra[2], purple is popular with the young and adventurous. Gen Z favored purple more than any other color, while 92% of those who liked purple were open to trying new foods (70% said they were “Adventurous” or “Very Adventurous”). Nearly 80% of those surveyed said they found purple foods appealing.

Sources:

[1] FruitMax Purple 105 is approved for US in EU and Codex countries and can be labeled in the EU as “Black carrot concentrate. Hibiscus extract” and in CODEX countries as “Black carrot concentrate, and Hibiscus concentrate.”
[2] Source: Oterra proprietary color insights survey 2024