Since 1876, Oterra has been at the heart of a colorful revolution
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Leading the change to natural colors
From our first annatto launch to today’s global leadership, our journey is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for nature’s palette. Explore how a century and a half of expertise, groundbreaking R&D, and a passion for true color have shaped the future of food and beverage.
While the name Oterra is new, the company behind the name has a heritage that stretches back to 1876 when the first natural food colorings from Chr. Hansen were introduced to the American public at the World's Fair in Philadelphia.
Oterra's Story
1800s
1874 – Chr. Hansen is founded in Denmark
1876 – Annatto color for cheese and butter launches at World Exhibition in Philadelphia, USA
1900-1949
1929 – Factory with color R&D facility opens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
1939 – Natural color range expands to include red beet, grape skin and paprika
1941 – Dandelion Brand Butter Color trademarked
1950-1999
1964 – Factory for carmine production opens in Quilmes, Argentina
1979 – Listed on Copenhagen stock exchange
1988 – Acquires Spanish factory specializing in paprika and natural beta-carotene called Extract Oil
1988 – Establishes annatto plantation in Belém, Brazil
1991 – R&D moves from Milwaukee, USA to Copenhagen, Denmark
1995 – Enters joint venture in India to manufacture natural colors from turmeric and paprika called AKAY - Acquires a French company specializing in anthocyanins and grape polyphenols called Sefcal - Acquires a Spanish company specializing in carmine called Navarra
1996 – Launches CapColors® for brighter, more stable and more cost-effective colors
1999 – Acquires what is now our flagship factory for minimally processed colors in Italy -Acquires Quest Color business with factory in Ireland
2000 - today
2003 – Acquires carmine production factory in Lima, Peru
2005 – Acquired by French private equity fund PAI
2010 – Listed on Copenhagen stock exchange for the second time
2011 – Launches I-Colors® for powdered applications and FruitMax® minimally processed range
2014 – Opens Global Expertise Center in Shanghai, China to address increasing consumer concerns about food quality
2019 – Launches Hansen sweet potato™ – wins first of three innovation awards
2021 – Acquired by Swedish private equity firm EQT and changes name to Oterra™ - Acquires Secna Group in Spain and Italy with expertise in organic caramel and anthocyanins - Acquires Diana Food’s natural food coloring business in France with expertise in organic red beet and orange carrot
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