The global gluten-free products market size is estimated to account for USD 5.6 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 8.3 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 8.1%.
The market is driven by the rising prevalence of celiac disease and also growing population shifting towards healthier diets. Gluten is a protein that is primarily found in four grains, namely, wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (crossbreed). Its main purpose is to give the dough its elasticity, which is further used to produce a line of products by imparting a chewy texture and retaining the product’s shape. However, this protein is not suitable for every consumer, as it may result in various health-related issues. Hence, companies are manufacturing a line of gluten-free products and marketing it globally as they experience a positive demand from consumers facing gluten-intolerance issues and other health-related problems caused due to gluten.
End consumers prefer conventional stores as a major part of their shopping habits, owing to ease in accessibility, along with being relatively economical and optimal. This has resulted in their increased popularity and preferred destination for navigating through a range of gluten-free products. Thus due to easy accessibility conventional stores has the highest growth rate in the forecast period.
The bakery segment type of gluten-free products accounted for a larger market share, as compared to the other types. Owing to the fact that the manufacturers of these products are into large-scale production of this type of gluten-free products, catering to the global end-consumer demands. Majority of the leading players that are into the manufacturing of a gluten-free line of products offer a wide range of bakery products; these companies include Kraft Heinz Company (US), The Hain Celestial Group Inc (US), General Mills (US), Hero AG (Switzerland), ConAgra Brands Inc (US), and many others, along with the newly entering start-ups such as Katz Gluten Free (US), Genius Foods (UK), BFree (Ireland), and Mickeys LLC (US).
“Impact of COVID-19 on the current market size and forecast.”
The COVID-19 pandemic is projected to have a moderate and unfavorable impact on the global market. Due to the restricted supply chain activities, manufacturers are not able to procure the raw material and manufacture goods to cater to the demand. Additionally, due to government initiatives such as lockdowns, manufacturing plants were also at a standstill due to the limited workforce available.
Global companies are facing challenges in importing and exporting the end products, owing to the limited international trading activities. All these factors cumulatively have impacted the entire supply chain, thereby impacting the market adversely. However, post-pandemic, the market for gluten-free products is projected to witness an optimistic growth trend, owing to the rise in consumers preferring gluten-free and other free-from foods, as a result of a shift in the consumption lifestyles towards healthier eating. Thus, the market is expected to be at a standstill until the fourth quarter of 2020.
The North American market is currently dominating the global gluten-free products market. Factors leading to the dominance of this region in the global market include the relatively high awareness of gluten-free products, diagnosed celiac patients, key players existing in the market, and higher purchasing power of the populace.
The key players in this market include, The Kraft Heinz Company (US), The Hain Celestial Group Inc (US), General Mills (US), Kellogg’s Company (US), ConAgra Brands Inc (US), Hero AG (Switzerland), Barilla G.E.R Fratelli S.P.A (Italy), Quinoa Corporation (US), Freedom Foods Group Limited (Australia), Koninklijke Wessanen N.V (Netherlands), Raisio PLC (Finland), Dr Schär AG/SPA (Italy), Enjoy Life Foods (US), Farmo S.P.A. (Italy), Big OZ (UK), Alara Wholefoods Ltd (UK), Norside Foods Ltd (UK), Warburtons (UK), Silly Yaks (Australia), Seitz Glutenfrei GMBH (Germany), Bob’s Red Mill (US), Kelkin Ltd (Ireland), Amy’s Foods (US), Golden West Specialty Foods (US), and Prima Foods (UK).
