GNT Strengthens Middle East Support with New Exberry Application Lab in Dubai

Plant-based colour specialist GNT has announced the inauguration of a new application laboratory in Dubai, a strategic move designed to bolster technical support for manufacturers across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.

The new facility is co-located with GNT’s commercial and marketing teams in the United Arab Emirates, creating a centralised hub for the company's "Exberry" colouring foods brand in the region.

Operational Capabilities and Services

The laboratory is engineered to provide localised technical assistance, significantly reducing turnaround times for regional clients. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and staffed by local formulation experts, the facility offers a comprehensive suite of services:

Technical Services: Colour matching and stability testing.
Knowledge Transfer: Product demonstrations, training programmes, and technical consultations.
Innovation: A collaborative space for formulation development.

This new site integrates into GNT’s existing global network of application centres, which already includes facilities across Europe, Asia, and North America.

The Shift to Natural

The expansion is driven by escalating demand for natural alternatives to artificial ingredients. As global scrutiny of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intensifies, manufacturers are increasingly seeking plant-based solutions to replace synthetic dyes.

Santhosh Thankappan, Sales Director at GNT Middle East, commented on the regional trend:

“The demand for natural, plant-based colours is increasing all over the world – and this region is no exception. This expansion reinforces our dedication to helping manufacturers achieve vibrant, stable shades while maintaining completely natural ingredient lists.”

Thankappan further elaborated on the strategic value of the new hub: “Our goal is to empower food and drink manufacturers with local access to global expertise – giving them a space for innovation where ideas, technology and people come together. Our new Dubai laboratory was created to help our customers perfect their processes and ensure exceptional results with plant-based Exberry colours.”

GNT’s Exberry range is manufactured from non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants using physical processing methods. The portfolio offers a complete spectrum of shades designed to replace synthetic dyes in virtually any food and beverage application.