Givaudan will showcase its latest breakthroughs in natural colours and functional ingredients at the IFT 2026 Annual Event and Expo under the theme “The Sky’s the Limit.” Drawing on deep consumer insight and technological leadership, Givaudan invites attendees to explore how collaborative innovation can elevate food and beverage experiences across colour, flavour, and functionality.
Research reveals how consumers perceive colour in their wellness journey
New research by Givaudan Sense Colour, in partnership with Bellomy, has uncovered how consumers’ attitudes toward colour influence their choices when companies transition from synthetic to natural ingredients. According to Kim Duncan, Head of Consumer Insights for Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing North America, “While taste remains the top driver of purchase behaviour, colour plays a powerful secondary role, shaping perceptions of flavour, quality, and health.”
The study found that across food and beverage categories:
85% of consumers ranked flavour/taste among their top three purchase drivers.
More than half of surveyed consumers perceive products with natural colours as healthier.
60% said they would expect to increase their consumption of products perceived as naturally coloured.
These insights reinforce that successful colour reformulation requires more than matching shade; it means understanding consumer expectations around health, cost, and taste perception.
Calming Ele-mint: a non-alcoholic mojito featuring flagship lemon balm ingredient and new natural blue colour
At the Givaudan booth (#2028), visitors can experience the Calming Ele-mint, a refreshing lemon balm and mint beverage designed for its calming appeal and ability to delight the senses. It embodies Givaudan’s commitment to helping customers formulate for both function and emotion. This refreshing beverage is powered by Zensera™, Givaudan’s patent-pending lemon balm extract clinically shown to offer same-day support for mental clarity and focus under stress. Complemented by the soothing hue of Everzure® Galdieria Green Blend, which was recently approved by the FDA, along with zesty lime, mint, and rum-type flavours, this lightly sweetened dry mix delivers a balanced and serene sensory experience.
Introducing the Synthetic Replacement Hub
Givaudan will also be introducing its upcoming Synthetic Replacement Hub, an interactive new online space where visitors can learn, explore, and co-create strategies for replacing synthetic colours and ingredients. The initiative merges Givaudan’s colour science and formulation support to help customers accelerate their transition to natural alternatives without compromising product integrity or consumer satisfaction.
Exclusive presentation on the challenges of increased demand for clean-label
Givaudan expert Catherine Vinci will be participating in a Hot Topics Studio presentation entitled ‘What Are the Challenges With Increased Demand for Natural and Clean-Label Ingredients?’ on Monday, July 13, 2026 from 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM at Exhibit Hall A: Hot Topics Studio Stage. The session will explore the sourcing, cost, and formulation challenges of meeting rising global demand for natural and clean-label ingredients, offering practical insights into how manufacturers are balancing consumer expectations with operational realities.
Join us at IFT 2026: The Sky’s the Limit
Visitors can meet Givaudan’s experts across colour, flavour, and wellness ingredients, explore cross-category innovations, and experience co-creation firsthand from July 12–15 at booth #2028 at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago. Together, we’ll redefine what’s possible in taste, colour, and wellbeing.