Exhibiting at FOOD INGREDIENTS CHINA 2025

Shanghai Dyestuffs Research Institute Co., Ltd., founded in 1947 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a nationally recognized enterprise with deep technical roots in the field of synthetic colorants, food additives, and specialty chemicals. Operating under the well-known “Lion Head” brand, the company has evolved from a historic R&D institution into a leading industrial player in the food-grade colorant and additive segment, serving domestic and international markets across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.

Core Business

The core competency of Shanghai Dyestuffs Research Institute lies in the research, production, and distribution of synthetic and natural food colorants, functional food additives, and antioxidant products. Backed by decades of technical expertise and research heritage, the company supplies high-purity ingredients that meet global safety and quality standards.

Product and Service Offerings

Shanghai Dyestuffs Research Institute offers a robust product portfolio including:

• Synthetic Food Colorants (Certified Additives):

  • Tartrazine (E102) – Yellow colorant widely used in beverages, confections, and sauces.
  • Sunset Yellow (E110) – Orange colorant for snacks, jellies, and soft drinks.
  • Ponceau 4R (E124) – Red shade used in desserts, jams, and beverages.
  • Allura Red (E129) – Deep red synthetic dye for bakery and confectionery.
  • Amaranth (E123) – Reddish violet tone used in candied fruit and syrups.
  • Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) – Blue colorant for ice creams, jellies, and dairy.
  • Indigo Carmine (E132) – Blue shade used in capsules, jelly, and bakery items.

• Natural Food Colorants:

  • Offers a range of botanical-based colorants suitable for natural and clean-label product lines.

• Antioxidants:

  • TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) – Fat-soluble antioxidant used in frying oils, snacks, and flavor oils.

• Sweeteners and Other Additives:

  • Provides selective artificial and high-intensity sweetening agents.

These additives are offered in powder and granule forms, and meet compliance standards for major global markets.

Specialization and Core USP

The company’s key differentiator lies in its combined strength of R&D heritage and modern manufacturing. Originally part of China's national chemical research infrastructure, the institute pioneered several food-grade additive formulations now widely used across Asia. Key USPs include:

• Expertise in high-purity dye synthesis and standardization
• Ability to meet pharmaceutical-grade purity requirements
• Lion Head brand recognition, especially in the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets
• Strong regulatory documentation and technical support for global exporters and manufacturers

Financials

As a private entity with strong state-linked institutional roots, the company does not publicly disclose its financials. However, based on export volumes and domestic presence:

• Estimated annual revenue exceeds USD 20 million
• Over 60% of revenue derived from synthetic food colorant sales
• Active presence in both B2B industrial sales and international OEM distribution

The company maintains consistent business relationships with global distributors of food and beverage ingredients.

Shipment Data

Trade intelligence platforms and industry reports indicate:

• Export activity across 30+ countries, including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, and Russia
• Shipment formats include 25 kg fiber drums and 1 kg to 5 kg inner packs
• Bulk orders typically range from 500 kg to 5 metric tons per order
• Shipment value varies between USD 10,000 to USD 100,000 depending on order composition

Regular international shipping and participation in ingredient tenders confirm its global engagement.

Target Market

The company's ingredients are used by:

• Food & Beverage Manufacturers (snacks, beverages, jellies, dairy, bakery)
• Pharmaceutical Companies (capsule and tablet coatings)
• Nutraceutical and Cosmetic Brands
• Ingredient Blenders and Distributors
• Flavor and Fragrance Houses

The product range is suitable for both mass-market and premium natural product formulations, depending on the client segment.

Capabilities

• State-of-the-art manufacturing and quality testing infrastructure in Shanghai
• Dedicated color matching and formulation lab
• Capacity to produce thousands of metric tons of food-grade dyes annually
• Ability to support custom formulations, OEM branding, and regulatory dossier preparation

The company’s production setup complies with Chinese industrial quality benchmarks and selected international certifications.

Certifications and Compliance

Shanghai Dyestuffs Research Institute is known for its strict compliance with global regulatory requirements:

• GB (China National Food Safety Standards)
• INS/E-Code standards (EU)
• Products compatible with Codex Alimentarius, FAO/WHO guidelines
• Technical documentation support for FDA, EFSA, and ASEAN authorities
• Internal QC based on ISO and GMP principles

Each batch is accompanied by COA, specification sheets, and traceability records.

Customer Testimonials

While direct testimonials are not publicly listed, long-term procurement by multinational ingredient distributors suggests:

• High batch consistency and purity levels
• Reliable documentation and traceability
• Strong technical support for product integration

Distributors value the "Lion Head" brand’s decades of reliability in food and pharmaceutical coloring systems.

Major Achievements

• One of the oldest and most respected colorant R&D institutions in China, with a legacy dating back to 1947
• Developed proprietary synthesis routes for high-purity synthetic dyes, still in use today
• Participated in national food safety standard formulation and regulatory development
• Recognized by Chinese authorities for contributions to chemical safety and industrial innovation
• Regular exhibitor at Food Ingredients China (FIC) and international additive expos