Abstract: The present invention provide scalable methods of producing newly identified atrorosin pigments, compositions comprising the pigments, lakes and dyes and uses thereof for colorings foods, such as dairy, meat substitutes or candy.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of natural red azaphilone pigments: cavernamines and their hydroxyl-derivatives; as well as the orange/yellow precursor cavernine. Additionally, methods for their production by fermentation using a fungal strain belonging to the species Aspergillus cavernicola, is provided; and further the use of the novel pigments as a colouring agent for food items and/or non-food items, and for cosmetics. The cavernamine pigments have the structure of Formula I or II, the hydroxyl-derivative of said cavernamine pigment has the structure of Formula III: Cavernine pigments having the structure of Formula IV or V are precursors f the cavernamine pigments I-III above.