Gluten free market growth continues

Monday, 28 April 2008 15:21

One of the world's largest food manufacturers, General Mills has recently signalled their intention to join the lucrative ‘gluten free’ food market, by reformulating their Rice Chex cereal in the USA and making it gluten free.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the gluten-free market will be worth close to A$2.1 billion by 2010, as one in 133 consumers suffer from coeliac disease. Figures are almost as high in Europe, and the UK is the third-biggest market for gluten-free foods (after the USA and Italy), amounting to £47m (A$99 million) in 2006.

Market analyst Mintel has recently reported the overall 'free-from' market has enjoyed annual sales growth of over 300 per cent since 2000.