Oterra Company Profile

Background

Oterra is a leading global supplier of natural colors and coloring foodstuffs, serving the food and beverage industry. Established in 2020 following its acquisition from Chr. Hansen Holding A/S by the private equity firm EQT, Oterra has rapidly expanded its presence in the natural colors market. The company's mission is to make natural food and beverage products easy for a healthy and sustainable world. With over 150 years of experience in natural colors, Oterra offers one of the widest portfolios in the industry, catering to the growing demand for safe, natural food products free from artificial ingredients.

Key Strategic Focus

Oterra's strategic focus centers on expanding its global footprint, enhancing its product portfolio, and leading in sustainability. The company specializes in natural colors derived from a variety of sources, including fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials. Key technologies utilized include proprietary extraction and formulation processes that ensure the stability and vibrancy of natural colors in diverse applications. Oterra primarily targets markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, addressing the increasing consumer preference for clean-label and natural food products.

Financials and Funding

Oterra's financial trajectory has been marked by significant growth and strategic investments. In 2021, the company was acquired by EQT, a leading Nordic private equity firm, marking a pivotal moment in its expansion. Subsequently, Oterra has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its market position:

SECNA Natural Ingredients Group S.L.: Acquired in May 2021, this acquisition enhanced Oterra's portfolio with natural colors sourced from anthocyanins, concentrated juices, grape juice, and caramel.

Diana Food’s Coloring Business: Completed in December 2021, this acquisition provided Oterra with access to USDA and EU organic-certified colors and strengthened its backward integration of red beet.

Food Ingredient Solutions: Acquired in December 2021, this U.S.-based company expanded Oterra's presence in the North American market, serving over 400 customers annually with two certified processing facilities.

These acquisitions have collectively enhanced Oterra's capabilities and market reach, positioning it as a dominant player in the natural colors industry.

Pipeline Development

Oterra's pipeline development is characterized by continuous innovation and expansion:

Natural White Titanium Dioxide Alternative: In November 2025, Oterra partnered with Swiss innovator Seprify to develop a plant-based white coloring derived from microcrystalline cellulose. This alternative aims to replace titanium dioxide in food and beverage applications, aligning with global trends towards clean-label products.

U.S. Innovation and Production Hub: In December 2024, Oterra opened a 155,000-square-foot facility in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, serving as its U.S. headquarters. This hub combines innovation and application labs with manufacturing and logistics facilities to meet the growing demand for natural colors in the U.S. market.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Oterra distinguishes itself through several technological platforms and innovations:

Proprietary Extraction and Formulation Processes: The company employs advanced techniques to extract and stabilize natural colors, ensuring they meet the performance standards required by the food and beverage industry.

Sustainability Initiatives: Oterra is committed to sustainability, with its greenhouse gas reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in November 2023. The company has also implemented a 3.5 MW biomass boiler at its Cossé site in France to reduce Scope 1 emissions.

Leadership Team

Oterra's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to driving the company's mission:

Martin Sonntag: Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Under his leadership, Oterra has expanded its global presence and product offerings.

Luc Ganivet: Chief Innovation Officer. He oversees the company's innovation strategies, including the development of new natural color solutions.

Vera Karmebäck: Global Sustainability Lead. Appointed in January 2023, she is responsible for advancing Oterra's sustainability initiatives.

Market Insights and Competitor Analysis

The global natural colors market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for clean-label and natural food products. North America, in particular, is one of the fastest-growing markets, with increasing awareness of health and sustainability influencing purchasing decisions.

Oterra operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

GNT Group: A leading supplier of natural colors, offering a wide range of products derived from fruits and vegetables.

Kerry Group: Provides natural color solutions alongside its extensive portfolio of food ingredients.

Sensient Technologies: Offers a diverse range of natural colors and flavors, serving various industries globally.

Oterra's strategic acquisitions and focus on sustainability position it favorably against these competitors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Oterra's partnership with Seprify exemplifies its commitment to innovation and sustainability. This collaboration aims to develop a natural white titanium dioxide alternative, addressing both consumer demand for clean-label products and environmental concerns.

Operational Insights

Oterra's operational strategy emphasizes vertical integration, controlling each raw material's value chain to ensure quality and traceability. The company's global presence, with offices, labs, and production facilities in over 110 countries, enables it to serve a diverse customer base effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Oterra is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for natural colors by expanding its product portfolio and global reach. The company's focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with industry trends, providing opportunities for further growth and leadership in the natural colors market.