FoodEurope Issue 4 2016

10 industry news
New gluten free foods: growing at a fast rate
It’s almost impossible to hear news related to gluten-free foods without also
hearing about how most Americans don’t have celiac disease or even a gluten
sensitivity and are essentially wasting money on an unnecessary fad.
What’s sometimes missed is that a number of Americans simply want to
go gluten-free because the effort contributes to their sense of mental
and physical wellness, according to market research firm Packaged
Facts in a brand new report: Gluten-Free Foods in the U.S. 6th Edition.
“Much like veganism and flexitarianism or going low-carb or dairy-free,
avoiding gluten has become a true lifestyle choice for many Americans,”
says David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts. “These
consumers may not have a specific health-related motive necessitating the
switch to gluten-free. Yet for gluten-free advocates there’s often a satisfaction from furthering one’s overall health and
nutrition goals. Wellness, as they say, begins in the mind.”
These dedicated gluten-free dieters have helped the gluten-free foods market demonstrate an annual growth rate of 36%
over the five-year period ended in 2015, when the market reached US$1.6 billion, according to Packaged Facts and based
on the specific categories analysed for the report. The company forecasts the gluten free foods market will reach US$2
billion in 2020
Gluten-free foods are gaining popularity partly because manufacturers and marketers are aligning new product
developments with other emerging trends in the food and beverage industry. These trends include clean labels, marketer
transparency, and the use of plant proteins and ancient grains.
Clean label and transparency trending
A predominant trend in gluten-free product development reflects the concerns of the clean eating/clean-label movement,
eg, fewer and simpler ingredients; free-from formulations; minimally processed with organic, sustainable production
methods; and transparency in business practices. Makers of gluten-free bean pasta are standouts in the promise of fewer
and simpler ingredients, an attribute that is touted on product packages and on brand websites from the likes of Tolerant
Foods, Gold Harbor, Simply 7 Snacks and Explore Cuisine. n
Source: www.packagedfacts.com.
Liquid packaging market growth dominated by APAC
The market size for liquid packaging is projected to reach US$370.75bn by 2021, registering a CAGR of 5.4% between
2016 and 2021, driven by high demand from the food & beverages industry, while flexible liquid packaging is the fastestgrowing
liquid packaging type globally.
Increasing demand from the food & beverages industry is the major driver for the liquid packaging market. The global
liquid packaging industry is expected to rise with the increasing demand from food & beverage industry in economies such
as India, China, Africa, Middle East, Germany, Brazil and others. Increasing carbon footprint
due to the use of various resins in the manufacturing of liquid packaging type is the major
restraint affecting the growth of the market.
Flexible liquid packaging is the fastest-growing liquid packaging type. This packaging
type provides various advantages such as longer shelf life, less cost, consumer
friendly, capable of retaining freshness of products, less energy consumption, green
packaging, and others. Films are the largest flexible liquid packaging type used mainly
in the packaging of liquid products. Liquid packaging is widely used as it prevents the
loss of moisture or protects the goods from moisture; improves tear, scuff and puncture
resistance; and provides a heat-sealable surface; and so on.
Asia-Pacific is the largest market for liquid packaging globally, with China being the most
dominant market. This region is also anticipated to witness the highest growth rate,
which is attributed to the rapid economic expansion in the region. n
Source: reportsnreports.com/market-research/manufacturing
www.foodmagazine.eu.com issue four | 2016