The free-from category in the UK has doubled in size over the last five years and now has an estimated value of £365m, according to research from Mintel.
It also found that growth is expected to slow in coming years, but is still forecast to grow by more than 50% by 2019; the availability of free-from products is continuing to widen; brands are expanding into new areas such as fresh bread; and supermarkets’ expanded own label offering has helped to support the market’s growth.
The findings were released ahead of trading platform Free From Food/Ingredients 2015, which will be held in Barcelona in June.
Free From Food/Ingredients exhibition director Ronald Holman said: “The research by Mintel goes to show how far the free-from market has come in just five years in the UK. It may not yet be at the same level as the US – but it is booming and expected to grow further. That can only be good news for those who buy and supply free-from food and ingredients. This scenario is mirrored at Free From Food/Ingredients 2015 which has grown in just three years. We will be at the forefront of showcasing new product development from across Europe and beyond.”
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