GNT Group sets up new business unit in Dubai for the Gulf States

GNT Group has opened a new affiliate in the Gulf States region, described as “an important step to allow it to further develop its strategy of enhancing its global market coverage”.

Strategically located in Dubai, the new business division will allow the colouring foods provider to appeal to new customers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain – particularly in the context of new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) legislation regarding the use of some food additives, and the enforcement of mandatory labelling, which is set to be introduced.

GNT Middle East sales director Santhosh Thankappan said: “As people are getting increasingly conscious of food additives, the demand for natural ingredients is growing strongly and this will soon be further supported by stricter legislation in the GCC. Servicing our clients locally in the Middle East enables us to directly support them with any technical/application challenges and provide innovative solutions that fit perfectly with consumers expectations for a natural colour. I am very excited to join GNT, the market leaders in fruit and vegetable colour solutions; I see a great opportunity to support the manufacturers in GCC in meeting the developing needs of the market.

“For food and beverage producers, today there is no need to use any additive food colours and especially those requiring a warning statement. To impart their products with stable and vibrant colours, they can easily replace them with entirely natural fruit and vegetable colour solutions. Manufacturers should now use the opportunity to review their formulations and find alternatives that better meet consumers’ expectations.”