Gluten-Free Sector Still Hot in Tough Times
SCHAUMBURG, IL March 31, 2009–Increased awareness of gluten sensitivity and the more serious intolerance known as celiac disease has had a major impact on the food industry. With more than 3,000 products touting a gluten-free label these days, the segment has exploded into a $921 million business, with dollar sales escalating by 16% in 2008 versus the prior year. While most of the dollar sales can be attributed to the Conventional Food Channel which focuses on selling the fastest-moving items, the Natural Channel has generated a higher growth rate, according to a new study by SPINS, the leading information and service provider for the Natural Products Industry.
Gluten Free Opportunity and Analysis, 2009 reveals the importance of gluten-free products to both the Natural and Conventional marketplaces, where they are driving the growth of more than a few grocery categories. For a number of categories whose gluten-free segments are experiencing the highest growth rates, the segment growth is surpassing that of the overall category. This growth can be expected to rise even higher as more cases of celiac disease, currently believed to be widely under-diagnosed, are identified and as consumers become more conscious of the issues surrounding gluten consumption. Manufacturers are quickly realizing and pursuing the considerably untapped potential lying within the gluten-free movement.
SPINS’ team of Natural Product Experts has researched over 10,000 individual products for gluten-free positioning and label claims to date. The new syndicated report offers a comprehensive analysis of these products’ performance and sales opportunities in 27 relevant categories. Coverage of this increasingly dynamic segment includes:
- Sales and distribution trends
- Share and growth by channel and key category
- Category growth opportunities
- Product introduction trends
- Top categories and items
- Implications and Recommendations
Gluten Free Opportunity and Analysis, 2009 is now available on the Purchase Reports page of our website, or by contacting your SPINS representative.
SPINSscan sales information spans the past 3 years, up to the 52-week period ending 12/27/08.
About SPINS
SPINS was founded in 1995 as the first company to offer Natural Products sales data to the industry. Today, it is the premier provider of industry reporting and consulting services for this rapidly expanding sector. SPINS’ comprehensive offering includes retail measurement services, content-based reporting, consumer information and consulting services. Learn more at www.spins.com .
Please direct any press-related requests to Jennifer Fuller at 847.908.1224 or jfuller@spins.com.
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