Gluten-free sector expected to grow

Dallas, Texas – The gluten-free market is expected to have a bigger presence throughout the world by 2018, says a new report.

MarketsandMarkets, a U.S.-based global market research and consulting company, says the global gluten-free market is projected to reach US$6.2 billion in five years.

The report is called Gluten-Free Products Market By Type (Bakery & Confectionery, Snacks, Breakfast Cereals, Baking Mixes & Flour, Meat & Poultry Products), Sales Channel (Natural & Conventional) & Geography — Global Trends & Forecasts To 2018.

MarketsandMarkets says the report defines and segments the global gluten-free product market with analysis and forecasting of the global revenue and volume for gluten-free products.

The report also identifies the driving and restraining factors for the global gluten-free product market. The market is segmented and revenue is forecasted on the basis of major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (ROW).

The largest volume share in the sector are gluten-free bakery and confectionery products, which accounted for about 46 per cent, followed by gluten-free snacks that contributed about 20 per cent in the gluten-free market.

North America contributed to about 59 per cent share in the global gluten-free product market.

The highest consumption of gluten-free product in the global market was through conventional sales channels. Chain stores have become a preferred retail channel for gluten-free products, and there has been growth in the sales and assortment carried by the supermarkets and mass merchandisers.

The demand for new products and a variety of gluten-free products is increasing in the market. The existing companies are actively introducing new products with different ingredients and flavours, demonstrating that they are attuned to the needs of their consumers.

Developments in the global gluten-free products market have been growing globally, but it has been growing at a higher pace in North America and Europe. Companies such as Hain Celestial Inc. (U.S.), General Mills Inc. (U.S.), Dr. Schar (Italy), Amys Kitchen Inc. (U.S.), and Boulders Brand Inc. (U.S), are involved in market dynamics.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten that leads to extensive damage in the small intestine of genetically susceptible people. There is no medication available except a gluten-free diet for this disorder.

The increasing number of celiac patients, gluten intolerance and health-conscious consumers has increased the demand for gluten-free products. The gluten-free products market is experiencing a double-digit growth.

The most important factor behind buying more gluten-free food products is that consumers consider them healthier than conventional products.

Other important factors are growing retail presence and continual improvements in new gluten-free products development.

One of the major restraints of the gluten-free products market is a lack of awareness. Many consumers do not know the difference between an allergy and intolerance. Furthermore, many consumers are either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed entirely for celiac disease.