Ingredients manufacturer Lycored has more than doubled its production of lycopene production to meet ‘unprecedented’ demand.
Lycopene is a red carotenoid hydrocarbon found in tomatoes and other red fruits, and can be used in skin care products to help protect against pollution and signs of anti-ageing.
The company is expected to harvest record volumes of tomatoes following a multi-million dollar investment in new equipment and supply optimisation strategies.
The increase in capacity will also be achieved at the firm’s new facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, US.
Lycored’s SVP of Operations David Hebel said the demand for lycopene in the beauty sector had been key to its expansion.
“Demand for ingestible skin care ingredients is higher than ever and continues to grow as clean labels and minimal waste become prerequisite,” he said.
“As manufacturers and developers look to capitalise on those trends, we are ready with our portfolio to support their projects.”