'Free-from' food products gain momentumSales forecast to surpass E500 million in the UK

摘要

It seems that the 'free-from' phenomenon has well and truly taken hold in the UK, as new research from Mintel reveals that sales of free-from foods are forecast to grow 13% to reach E531 (ELLER634) million in 2016, up from an estimated E470 (ELLER596)million in 2015. The market growth comes as a result of free-from users widening their repertoires, with almost half (48%) of those who eat or buy free-from saying they are likely to eat more free-from food in the next year. What's more, Mintel forecastthe market will grow further, to reach E673 (ELLER739) million by 2020. Over the period April-September 2015, a third (33%) of British people bought or ate any free-from foods, with 22% buying or eating gluten-free products, 19% dairy substitutes (for instance soya cheese), 16% wheat-free products and 16% lactose-free products. Additionally, the growth in the market comes alongside a rise in product innovation. Mintel research shows that 12% of new food products launched in the UK in 2015 carried a gluten-free claim, up from 7% in 2011. Kiti Soininen, Head of UK Food, Drink & Foodservice Research at Mintel said: "The free-from market enjoyed remarkable growth in 2015, and further growth is likely to come from the existing pool of users intending to spend more. The growing availability of free-from food and drink products at mainstream supermarkets has allowed established users to widen their repertoires, with easy availability potentially prompting more regular use."