The Global and United States Monascus Pigment Market was valued at USD 142.3 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 238.7 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.1% during the forecast period (2023–2029). This growth is being driven by surging demand for natural food colorants, expanding applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and stringent regulations favoring synthetic-free alternatives across food processing and personal care sectors.

As the natural ingredients industry shifts toward sustainable and health-focused solutions, the focus turns to key producers of Monascus pigment, a vibrant red colorant derived from fermented rice using the Monascus purpureus fungus. Known for its stability and safety, this pigment is gaining traction in clean-label products. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Global and United States Monascus Pigment Market—a blend of biotechnology innovators, chemical specialists, and food-grade manufacturers shaping the future of natural coloration worldwide.

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🔟 1. Kiriya Chemical

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Refined Monascus Pigment, Water-Soluble Extracts for Food and Cosmetics

Kiriya Chemical stands out as a pioneer in natural pigment production, with a strong emphasis on high-purity Monascus extracts tailored for the Asian and global markets. The company supplies refined pigments to major food manufacturers and cosmetic brands, ensuring compliance with international safety standards like those from the FDA and EFSA. Their production processes leverage advanced fermentation techniques to enhance color yield and stability, making their products ideal for beverages, confectionery, and skincare formulations.

Because of their commitment to quality, Kiriya has expanded into the U.S. market through strategic partnerships, addressing the growing need for natural alternatives to synthetic dyes. Furthermore, their R&D efforts focus on optimizing pigment extraction to minimize environmental impact while maximizing bioactivity.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of allergen-free Monascus variants for sensitive applications

• Collaborations with U.S. food processors to integrate pigments in clean-label products

• Investment in sustainable sourcing of fermentation substrates

Download FREE Sample Report: Global and United States Monascus Pigment Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. SDBNI

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Rough and Refined Monascus Pigment, Powder Forms for Food Additives

SDBNI is a prominent player in China’s pigment industry, exporting substantial volumes of Monascus pigment to North America and Europe. Specializing in both rough extracts for industrial use and refined powders for premium applications, the company serves the food sector predominantly, with products used in meat processing, bakery items, and dairy. Their large-scale fermentation facilities allow for cost-effective production, helping them capture market share in price-sensitive segments.

However, SDBNI is also venturing into cosmetics, where the pigment’s antioxidant properties offer value in anti-aging formulations. This diversification is supported by ongoing quality certifications, ensuring their products meet U.S. import regulations.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Enhancement of pigment solubility for beverage integrations

• Partnerships with international labs for citrinin-free production

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8️⃣ 3. Jiangmen Kelong

Headquarters: Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Refined Monascus Red Pigment, Oil-Soluble Variants for Cosmetics

Jiangmen Kelong excels in producing refined Monascus pigments optimized for cosmetic applications, such as lipsticks and creams, where vibrant, stable color is essential. With a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including growing U.S. exports, the company emphasizes hypoallergenic formulations that align with clean beauty trends. Their pigments are derived through controlled fermentation, resulting in high lovastatin content that adds functional benefits beyond coloration.

The firm’s expansion into the United States has been driven by demand from natural cosmetic brands seeking FDA-approved ingredients. Additionally, they invest in traceability systems to assure purity and safety throughout the supply chain.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Research into hybrid pigments combining Monascus with other naturals

• U.S. market certifications for cosmetic-grade exports

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7️⃣ 4. Tianyi Biotech

Headquarters: Wuhan, Hubei, China
Key Offering: Monascus Pigment Extracts, Application-Specific Blends for Food and Others

Tianyi Biotech is renowned for its biotechnology-driven approach to Monacus pigment manufacturing, producing extracts that cater to food, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial uses. Operating advanced bioreactors, they achieve consistent pigment profiles suitable for global standards. In the U.S., their products are increasingly adopted in functional foods, leveraging the pigment’s potential health benefits like cholesterol management.

Furthermore, Tianyi’s commitment to R&D has led to innovations in scalability, enabling them to meet rising demands from emerging markets while maintaining competitive pricing.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Bioengineered strains for higher pigment yield and lower impurities

• Expansion into pharmaceutical-grade Monascus for nutraceuticals

Download FREE Sample Report: Global and United States Monascus Pigment Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Shandong Zhonghui

Headquarters: Jinan, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Rough Monascus Pigment, Bulk Supplies for Food Processing

Shandong Zhonghui focuses on rough Monascus pigment production for large-scale food applications, such as sauces and snacks, where cost-efficiency is key. As a major supplier in the domestic market, they are building a presence in the United States through reliable logistics and quality controls that comply with GRAS status. Their pigments provide a natural alternative to carmine, appealing to vegan and halal markets.

Because of regulatory pressures on synthetic colors, Zhonghui is adapting by improving purification processes to enter premium segments. This strategic shift positions them well for sustained growth.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Optimization of fermentation for eco-friendly production

• Trials for U.S.-specific formulations in processed foods

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5️⃣ 6. Wuhan Jiacheng Biotechnology

Headquarters: Wuhan, Hubei, China
Key Offering: High-Purity Refined Monascus, Specialized for Cosmetics and Food

Wuhan Jiacheng Biotechnology leads in high-purity Monascus pigment development, offering refined products that excel in heat and light stability for cosmetics and confectionery. Their U.S. operations highlight applications in natural makeup, where the pigment’s red hues enhance product appeal without synthetic additives. The company’s state-of-the-art labs ensure low citrinin levels, a critical factor for market acceptance.

However, challenges like supply chain disruptions have prompted investments in domestic U.S. partnerships, fostering localized distribution and innovation.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Current output exceeding 500 tons annually, with plans to double by 2026

• Nanotechnology integration for enhanced pigment dispersion

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4️⃣ 7. Henan Zhongda

Headquarters: Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Key Offering: Monascus Pigment Powders, Versatile for Food and Other Uses

Henan Zhongda is a key contributor to the Monascus market, producing versatile powders that serve food coloring needs in Asia and expanding into the U.S. for other applications like textiles and inks. Their rough and refined options support diverse formulations, with a focus on affordability that appeals to small-to-medium enterprises.

Their growth trajectory includes R&D into multifunctional pigments, combining color with antimicrobial properties for extended shelf-life in foods.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of multi-application blends reducing production costs

• Compliance with U.S. EPA standards for industrial uses

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3️⃣ 8. Fuzhou LLX

Headquarters: Fuzhou, Fujian, China
Key Offering: Organic Monascus Pigment, Focused on Food and Cosmetics

Fuzhou LLX specializes in organic-certified Monascus pigments, targeting health-conscious consumers in the U.S. and Europe. Their products shine in clean-label foods and natural cosmetics, offering rich pigmentation derived from non-GMO sources. This emphasis on organic production has boosted their export volumes, particularly to North American brands prioritizing sustainability.

Furthermore, LLX’s initiatives in waste reduction during fermentation align with global eco-trends, enhancing their reputation as a responsible supplier.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Organic certification expansions for U.S. organic food markets

• Collaborative projects for pigment stability in high-acidity environments

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2️⃣ 9. Yiyuan Food Chemical

Headquarters: Yiyuan, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Refined Monascus for Food Applications, Custom Blends

Yiyuan Food Chemical is deeply embedded in the food industry, providing refined Monascus pigments that replace artificial reds in products like jams and beverages. With a growing U.S. footprint, they supply major processors, emphasizing consistent quality and batch traceability. Their expertise in custom blending allows for tailored solutions that meet specific color intensities and regulatory needs.

As demand for natural colors rises, Yiyuan is scaling operations to support larger orders, including those from American importers focused on allergen-free ingredients.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Aiming for 30% increase in U.S. exports by 2025 through enhanced formulations

• R&D in pigment encapsulation for better heat resistance

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1️⃣ 10. Wuhan Soleado Technology

Headquarters: Wuhan, Hubei, China
Key Offering: Advanced Monascus Pigment Solutions, Refined for Cosmetics and Others

Wuhan Soleado Technology tops the list as a technology leader in Monascus pigment innovation, delivering advanced refined products for cosmetics, foods, and emerging pharmaceutical uses. They support over 200 global clients, including U.S.-based firms, with pigments that offer superior solubility and bio-compatibility. Their proprietary fermentation tech ensures high purity, making them a go-to for premium applications.

Soleado’s strategic alliances with research institutions drive continuous improvements, positioning them at the forefront of the natural colorant revolution.

Innovation Initiatives:

• End-to-end solutions including pigment customization and application testing

• Partnerships with U.S. cosmetic developers for next-gen formulations

Read Full Report: Global and United States Monascus Pigment Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Monascus Pigment Is Natural and Versatile

The Monascus pigment market is experiencing a vibrant transformation. While traditional synthetic colors persist in some areas, the sector is channeling significant resources into natural alternatives, advanced fermentation technologies, and expanded applications beyond food into cosmetics and health products.

This evolution is fueled by consumer preferences for clean labels and regulatory bans on certain artificial dyes in key markets like the U.S. and EU. As production scales, Monascus pigment’s role in sustainable coloring becomes more pronounced, offering a renewable option derived from microbial fermentation rather than chemical synthesis.

Moreover, the United States market, a focal point of this report, shows robust growth potential due to stringent FDA guidelines promoting natural ingredients. Local players and importers are leveraging this to innovate in product development, from fortified foods to eco-friendly beauty lines.

Segment-wise, the refined type dominates due to its superior purity and versatility, particularly in cosmetics where stability under various conditions is crucial. Food applications remain the largest, accounting for over 60% of global demand, driven by the shift away from synthetic azo dyes. Other segments, including pharmaceuticals, are emerging as growth areas, with projections indicating a 12% CAGR through 2029.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific leads production, with China as the powerhouse, but North America, especially the U.S., is the fastest-growing consumer market. Factors like increasing organic food sales and clean beauty trends are accelerating adoption. Europe follows closely, supported by REACH regulations favoring natural substances.

In Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, adoption is gradual but promising, tied to rising health awareness and halal-certified product demands. Countries like Brazil and Saudi Arabia are seeing initial investments in import and local formulation.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Expansion of refined Monascus production capacities in Asia and North America

• Regulatory mandates for natural colorants, with U.S. FDA approvals boosting imports

• Digitization of supply chains for traceability and quality assurance

• Strategic alliances between producers and end-users for customized pigment solutions

The integration of Monascus pigment into multifunctional products, such as those with added health benefits from its monacolin K content, is another trend to watch. This could open doors to nutraceutical applications, further diversifying revenue streams for top players.

Challenges remain, including ensuring citrinin levels below detectable limits and scaling production without compromising sustainability. However, advancements in genetic engineering of Monascus strains promise to address these, leading to more efficient and safer pigments.

For stakeholders, the period from 2018 to 2029 highlights a trajectory of steady revenue growth, with type-based forecasts showing refined segments outpacing rough ones due to premium pricing. Application-wise, food will continue to lead, but cosmetics could capture 25% market share by 2029, propelled by the global beauty industry’s natural shift.

In the United States specifically, the market is segmented by key players who blend global imports with local innovation, focusing on types and applications that align with consumer health trends. This dual global-U.S. lens provides actionable insights for participants aiming to gain competitive edges.

Read Full Report: Global and United States Monascus Pigment Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled here are not only coloring the world naturally—they’re pioneering the health and sustainability revolution in pigments.

To delve deeper into revenue forecasts by region, type, and application, or to understand the roles of these key players in the U.S. context, the comprehensive report offers invaluable data. With the market’s projected expansion, now is the time for businesses to align with these leaders and capitalize on the natural color boom.