Gluten-Free Industry Tops $6 Billion

The industry has grown 27% since 2009, driven by new products.

March 07, 2012

CHICAGO ?" The gluten-free industry is booming, growing 27% since 2009 and exceeding $6 billion in 2011. The industry is fueled by an abundance of new products in 2010 and 2011 that bear a gluten-free claim.

Despite an increase in popularity and product development, recent Mintel research found that celiac disease and gluten intolerance could be widely undiagnosed. Just 1% of consumers say they??ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, and only 8% overall say they are gluten intolerant/sensitive. However, Mintel research suggests that number should be closer to 15%.

"The prevailing problem is that many Americans simply may not realize they are gluten intolerant/sensitive, or they may be ignoring signs and symptoms," said David Browne, senior analyst at Mintel, in a press release. "While food companies may be overdoing it unnecessarily with gluten-free label claims that are appearing on everything from tomato sauce to scallops, the message is getting out and it??s likely that many more consumers will engage in the sector, both for foods eaten at home and at restaurants."

According to Mintel Menu Insights, gluten-free menu items have increased 280% from third-quarter 2008 to third-quarter 2011. Meanwhile, Mintel??s Global New Products Database found that product launches with a gluten-free claim nearly tripled in 2011 to roughly 1700 products as compared to 2007.

"Demand for 'free-from?? foods is on the rise as consumers become better educated (and more fearful) about allergies and additives," said Alexandra Smith, Mintel??s director of consumer trends. "This has certainly increased awareness of the potential dangers in things like trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, and now gluten, but it may have also contributed to burnout. When we??re constantly warned about new food dangers, we eventually tune out."

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