In recent years, the global natural pigment market has experienced rapid growth. According to data from Fortune Business Insights, the global food coloring market was valued at $2.55 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $7.58 billion by 2032. This significant increase not only underscores the substantial demand for natural pigments but also indicates that these products will maintain robust growth momentum in the coming years. Among various natural pigments, orange and yellow pigments, known for their vibrant colors and excellent coloring properties, hold a considerable market share. Notably, natural carotene stands out as a "star product" within this category.

Natural carotene is a food additive extracted and refined from carrots, palm fruit oil, sweet potatoes, or other edible plants using solvents. The primary coloring components are β-carotene and α-carotene, with β-carotene being predominant. Natural carotene is a mixture of carotenoids, including β-carotene, α-carotene, δ-carotene, and zeta-carotene. It dissolves in oils, producing a yellow to yellow-orange hue. It exhibits good heat and acid resistance, with maximum absorption peaks at wavelengths of 440-457 nm or 470-486 nm. Conventional natural carotene is insoluble in water but slightly soluble in ethanol and oils. Through technological advancements of Jinghao, current products are available in both water-soluble and oil-soluble forms.

The quality standard for natural carotene is outlined in the National Food Safety Standard for Food Additives - Natural Carotene (GB 31624-2014), which provides sensory and physicochemical indicators.

Natural carotene, a gift from nature, brings endless color charm to the food production industry with its natural orange-yellow hue. In the beverage sector (food classification number: 14.0), natural carotene imparts a natural orange-yellow color to fruit and vegetable juices (pulp) drinks (food classification number: 14.02.03) and flavored beverages (food classification number: 14.08).

In baked goods (food classification code: 07.0) and frozen rice and noodle products (food classification code: 06.08), natural carotene also plays a role that can not be underestimated that ensures color stability during high-temperature baking, significantly improving the appearance and texture of products, and meet the pursuit of consumers for the appearance level of food.

Natural Carotene are also used in frozen drinks (food classification number: 03.0) to enhance the orange color and provide a more natural taste.

Additionally, natural carotene is commonly used in cheese and cheese-related products (food classification number: 01.06) to achieve a softer and more appealing color.

More specific industry categories and usage of Natural Carotene are specified in the GB2760 National Food Safety Standard for Food Additive Use. It can be added according to production needs in most product categories. Specific categories can refer to Table A.2 for the exception list of food additives that are used appropriately according to production needs.

Natural carotene, prized for its inherent color and stability, has found extensive application across various food production industries. It not only enhances the visual appeal of food products but also conveys the concept of health and safety to consumers.