GNT expands Middle East operations with new application laboratory for plant-based EXBERRY^® colors

December 17, 2025

GNT has opened an application laboratory in Dubai to provide hands-on support for manufacturers using its plant-based EXBERRY^® colors in the Middle East, North Africa, and Indian subcontinent.

Located alongside GNT’s commercial and marketing teams in the UAE, it marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to delivering localized technical assistance and faster turnaround.

The facility features state-of-the-art instrumentation and local formulation expertise, with services including color matching and stability testing. The laboratory also serves as a hub for product demonstrations, training programs, and technical consultations.

Santhosh Thankappan, Sales Director at GNT Middle East, said: “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^® colors.”

GNT – which also has multiple application centers in Europe, Asia, and North America – creates EXBERRY^® colors from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants.

They are available in a complete spectrum of shades and can be used to replace synthetic dyes in almost any type of food and drink.

Santhosh Thankappan added: “The demand for natural, plant-based colors 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.”

For more information about EXBERRY^®, visit: www.exberry.com

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For more information, contact:
​Robin Hackett, Ingredient Communications
​robin@ingredientcommunications.com | +44 7507 277733

About EXBERRY^®
​EXBERRY^® is a leading global brand of plant-based, sustainable colors for food and drink. The EXBERRY^® portfolio includes a complete spectrum of shades created from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants. They are available in a wide range of formats and suitable for almost any application, including confectionery, dairy, bakery, soft and alcoholic beverages, cereals, snacks, sauces, savory, and plant-based meat, seafood, and dairy. EXBERRY^® colors are trusted by many of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers for their vibrancy, versatility, stability, ease of use, and strong sustainability credentials.

About GNT Group
​Founded in 1978, GNT is a family-owned company pioneering in the creation of plant-based, sustainable ingredients. It is headquartered in Mierlo, The Netherlands, with additional offices in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. GNT’s family ownership provides stability and long-term commitment, enabling it to make strategic decisions to futureproof supplies. These include ambitious sustainability commitments and investments in long-term stockholding. The company supports its customers throughout every stage of the product development process, including concept innovation, color selection and matching, stability testing, upscaling, regulatory matters, and quality documentation.