Our Policy
Approaches to Research and Development
Proposal-oriented product development to create and support “deliciousness” in daily life
Good taste is not only determined by taste itself.
In addition to color, aroma, and texture, the manufacturing process and quality maintenance of food products are also factors that indirectly contribute to this.
We aim to develop products that contribute to “deliciousness” for our customers by creating products with added value from a new perspective, using food additives and food substances as the main ingredients.
For example, colorants. In particular, natural colorants, which are our strength, have both advantages and disadvantages in terms of stability, and there are cases where the application is chosen.
Therefore, using our accumulated experience and technologies, we have created products designed for stable coloring under conditions that were difficult to use in the past.
Furthermore, we aim to develop products that can be of further “usefulness” by assuming the actual processes in which they will be used, and by working together with our customers to verify the optimal solutions.
For example, we create new products by taking a customer-oriented approach, such as collecting stability data using the final product provided by the customer and creating a prototype of a distillation product according to the customer’s request.
We also take a retrospective approach to the raw materials we use in order to comply with food labeling and overseas exports.
We strive to develop products that will help our customers to create new “deliciousness” and to experience the “usefulness” of our products.
“Color value” and “color tone” in colorants
Colorants are expressed in terms of “color value,” which represents the intensity of color, and “color tone,” which represents color taste.
Color value is expressed by measuring the absorbance of a colorant solution at the wavelength of maximum absorption of visible light and converting it to the absorbance of a 10% solution.
Color tone is composed of the three elements of “hue,” “brightness,” and “saturation,” and can be quantified by measuring it with a colorimeter.
The Lab color system, which can represent the state similar to human perception, is often used, and we also use this color system.
https://kobeche.co.jp/en/technology_post/cv-column/
About color tone evaluation and stability testing (discoloration/fading verification)
It is difficult to describe colors in words, because colors are expressed differently by each individual.
In addition, some color tone changes are difficult to notice by the eye.
We use a “spectral colorimeter” to quantify and evaluate color tones.
This makes it possible to numerically verify discoloration and fading of food products during storage as well as visual evaluation, leading to more accurate stability evaluation.
We can also evaluate color stability jointly with you by providing colored product samples.
CaseStudy
Development Case Studies
Case.01
Proposal of compound colorant formulation
We offer a wide variety of compound formulations that will help improve the efficiency of your factory operations.
We can also propose limited products for your company.
- Customer’s challenge
- We have tested two formulations of gardenia red pigment and gardenia blue pigment for blueberry image, but they do not express the color tone of the image.
- Our proposal and action
- We proposed “KC Violet KL-14,” a formulation of gardenia red pigment and gardenia blue pigment.
Since we control the color tone, a stable quality can be obtained. - Customer’s Voice
- We have been able to stabilize the quality of the purple image, which we had been struggling with.
Also, the measuring work has become more efficient in terms of inventory control.
Case.02
Development of products for overseas export
We check the approval status of food additives in each overseas country and make proposals to our customers.
Proposals are made at the product level, including not only main ingredients (dyes) but also auxiliary ingredients (especially emulsifiers).
- Customer’s challenge
- We want to export seasonings to the U.S., but we are not sure if the pepper coloring agent registered as a raw material is approved.
- Our proposal and action
- We proposed “KC Orange PE-AG.
This formulation is emulsified with gum arabic and can be exported to the U.S. - Customer’s Voice
- We were able to successfully develop a product for overseas export.
The proposal based on information on exportability at the development stage was very helpful.
Case.03
Consideration of switching to a registered raw material product
Information on raw materials prescribed for existing products.
When proposing a switchover, we conduct project management based on accurate hearings. Please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form.
- Customer’s challenge
- Prices of main raw materials and packaging materials are soaring, and it is difficult to achieve the purchase budget target for this fiscal year.
- Our proposal and action
- From our extensive product lineup of more than 300 products, we propose the most suitable product based on interviews with the customer.
- Customer’s Voice
- Existing registered raw material products had been blended into various products for more than 10 years.
We felt that even additives needed to be reexamined on a regular basis due to soaring raw material prices and also as a BCP measure.
Contact
Please contact us for any questions or requests regarding our products.
We will contact you from the person in charge.