Press Releases

August 2, 2001
Secret Ingredient Increases the Visual Appeal of Main Courses and Baked Goods
For the first time ever, consumers can achieve accurate color and flavor in food preparation

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, (August 02, 2001) – D.D. Williamson, a leading food ingredient manufacturer, announced today the consumer launch of caramel color – the ideal solution when creating visually appealing food and beverages.For many decades, food technologists and professional chefs have used a ‘secret’ technique to enhance the visual appeal of their dishes and baked goods. What mysterious ingredient gives their creations a richer look and a darker, more appetizing appearance? It is caramel color — manufactured by cooking corn syrup.

Consumers will see how caramel color offers darker eye-appeal yet without discernibly altering flavor as is the case with other coloring agents such as cocoa powder, instant coffee, molasses or malt extract. For professional bakers, caramel color serves as an indispensable ingredient in pumpernickel bread, dark bagels and dark chocolate cookies. Caramel color is very low in calories and salt, instantly soluble in water and stable at high temperatures.“Caramel color is a key tool the pros use to make their foods look more delicious,” said Ted Nixon, C.E.O. of D.D. Williamson & Co., Inc. “This marks the first time a producer has made this ingredient available to everyone — not just the food industry. Caramel color is the pure, low-sodium way to enrich gravy.

It does not contain the added salt and other preservatives found in seasoned browning additives on supermarket shelves. Thus revealed is another secret of professional chefs who serve those delicately flavored, deep rich brown gravies and sauces. Our product will give home chefs the ability to customize their own desired flavor. Some home chefs eager for a browning ingredient have even tried to mix red, yellow and blue synthetic colors. Now that is made easier with the availability of our product,” said Nixon.Caramel color is available online by visiting www.caramel.com or by calling 1-800-827-6836. Also available on the site are recipes containing caramel color including barbecue sauce, onion soup, honey wheat bread and oatmeal cookies.D.D. Willliamson, established in 1865, is the world’s largest manufacturer of caramel color.

The company operates seven plants located on five continents to serve its primary customers — food and beverage processors. D.D. Williamson produces caramel color for leading global brand names in baked goods, beverages, soups, sauces, dry mixes and pharmaceuticals. Every day, more than one billion servings of foods and beverages containing D.D. Williamson caramel color are consumed around the world.