the carmine dye was used in north america in the 15th century for coloring fabrics and became an important export good during the colonial period. after synthetic pigments and dyes such as alizarin were invented in the late 19th century, natural-dye production gradually diminished. health fears over artificial food additives, however, have renewed the popularity of cochineal dyes, and the increased demand has made cultivation of the insect profitable again, with peru being the largest exporter. some towns in the mexican state of oaxaca are still working in handmade textiles using this cochineal.