Oterra, a leading producer of natural colors and color solutions, officially opened its state-of-the art innovation, collaboration, and production hub on May 7 in Mt. Pleasant, WI.
The 155,000 sq ft (14,400 m2) US Headquarters combines Denmark-based Oterra’s innovation and application labs with a new manufacturing and logistics facility to meet the expected growth of natural colors and coloring foodstuffs in the US.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local guests and company employees, marks a commitment by the company to the US market and will support US manufacturers converting from artificial dyes to natural colors made from raw materials such as carrots, beets and sweet potatoes.
Oterra’s natural colors are used in colored beverages, confectionery, dairy and ice cream, baked goods and snacks by some of the largest brands in the US.
Oterra’s Chief Operating Officer Mia Kjersner opened the facility before taking officials from Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce, and local and state officials on a tour of laboratories and other working areas in the building.
The company moved from its previous facility in West Allis to the new location to meet the expected increase in demand in the US. This expected growth in sales received an extra boost this April when The Department of Health and Human Services and Food and Drug Administration announced its intention to phase out petroleum-based synthetic colors in food and beverages by the end of 2026.
“This facility is more than bricks, tanks, and infrastructure,” said Oterra COO Mia Kjersner. “It’s a sign of our ambition and a declaration that we are ready to bring Oterra’s purpose to life in the US like never before.
“We’ve already transformed how Europe thinks about natural colors. Now, it’s time to help American food and beverage brands—and American consumers—make the shift.
“We believe that choosing natural doesn’t mean compromising on quality, performance, or beauty. Quite the opposite. It means making healthier choices. It means innovation. It means doing the right thing—for people and for the planet,” she added.
