Ingredients manufacturer Lycored has more than doubled its production of lycopene following a three-year multi-million-dollar investment. The investment – in new lines, equipment, and process and supply optimisation strategies – enables the company to harvest record volumes of tomato annually for its colour and health ingredient portfolio. Lycopene is a form of carotenoid found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables which has been said to have a range of health benefits. The company says that supplementation can ensure people are getting lycopene on a regular basis. Lycored has also inaugurated a new formulation facility in Branchburg, New Jersey which will contribute to increased colour formulation capabilities, reduce its carbon footprint, as well as support expansion and supply into additional markets in Asia and the Middle East. Rony Patishi-Chilim, CEO at Lycored said: “The expansion of our lycopene production follows a period of strategic equipment investments and improvements in tomato usage during key harvest periods. “These changes ensure that we have the expertise and the capacity to meet the needs of our customers across the food, beverage and health ingredient industries looking for natural colour, active health ingredients and taste-enhancing solutions.” The expansion intends to meet ‘unprecedented’ demand for its lycopene and will enable opportunities in colour applications across a variety of emerging food segments including vegan products and functional beverages. Rony added: “The demand for natural colour ingredients is higher than ever and continues to grow as clean label, traceable, vertically integrated pigments that are plant-based grow in popularity, alongside the plant-based movement towards a more sustainable future. “As manufacturers and developers look to capitalise on this trend, we are ready with our portfolio to support their projects. Our new Branchburg facility will also be the location for an application laboratory to support colour application and proof of stability initiatives.” According to Lycored, it will continue to invest further and has revealed plans to further expand to its seasonal capacity in collaboration with a third party in the Southern hemisphere. This will reportedly provide higher product availability at different times of the year.