12.05.12
The market for gluten-free foods and beverages has continued to grow even faster than anticipated, according to ”Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages in the U.S.,” a new report by Packaged Facts. The market will reach $4.2 billion in 2012, for a compound annual growth rate of 28% over the 2008-2012 period. Within this diverse market, snack/granola bars are the leading category, at 15% of mass-market sales. While growth rates will moderate over the next five years in the wake of market expansion, Packaged Facts projects that U.S. sales of gluten-free foods and beverages will exceed $6.6 billion by 2017. An August 2012 consumer survey by Packaged Facts showed that 18% of adults are buying or consuming food products tagged as gluten-free, up from 15% in October 2010. Moreover, the share of gluten-free consumers who are buying more of these foods has skyrocketed, and the share of total shoppers who are buying more gluten-free foods has doubled. According to David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts, “the conviction that gluten-free products are generally healthier is the top motivation for purchase of these products.” For more information: www.packagedfacts.com