LycoRed has developed a unique, tomato lycopene formulation tailored specifically for use as natural colorant in surimi applications. This enables food manufacturers to use a natural and vegetarian colorant in compliance with the trend toward avoiding artificial colorants. Surimi is available in many shapes, forms and textures. Its texture and color are often identical to the meat of lobster crab or other shellfish. The most common surimi product in the Western market is a crab-meat analogue. In North America, surimi is often called imitation crab or mock crab. In many other countries around the world it is typically referred to as seafood sticks, crab sticks, fish sticks or seafood extender. While the common red colorant used in the production of surimi is carmine—extracted from cochineal insects, consumer aversion and growing concern over possible allergies, has made carmine a far less desirable colorant to processors. Recognizing a gap in the market for a safe, natural solution for surimi’s unique, vivid red color, LycoRed developed innovative tomato lycopene formulations that maintain stability during the surimi production process as well as through the entire product shelf life. For further information www.lycored.com