Gluten-free has gone from a trend to a mainstream expectation, as consumers look for options across myriad categories. Need proof? The global gluten-free food is projected to reach US$4.89 billion by 2021, growing at a 7.7-percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2015 to 2021, according to a new report from Transparency Market Research (TMR).

According to the report, the gluten-free products market is driven by the rising number of celiac disease patients and the rising prevalence of non-celiac disease gluten sensitivity among people. Growing consumer awareness about the health benefits of gluten-free food is driving the market. Rising efforts for weight management among people across the globe are driving the gluten-free food products market, and high demand for gluten-free bakery products also is driving sector growth. However, lack of awareness regarding celiac disease is a huge challenge, which is restraining the growth of the gluten-free products market. The focus of key gluten-free food product manufacturers on the fresh food industry will open new opportunities of growth in the market.

Baby food, bakery products, ready-to-eat meals, and pasta are the main categories of the gluten-free food sector. Gluten-free bakery products dominate the gluten-free food market in terms of product type as manufacturers adopted innovative marketing strategies and by applying new processes and new ingredients developed innovative gluten-free bakery products that resembles gluten containing counterpart thereby maintaining the same flavor and texture.

In 2014, Europe dominated the gluten-free food products market and represented a share of 52.5 percent. North America is expected to be the fastest growing regional market by 2021, on account of the positive consumer response to a gluten-free diet and the rising number of people suffering from celiac disease.

Demand for gluten-free food is estimated to rise during the forecast period as retailers are improving in store signage and are dedicating more shelf space for gluten free-food products. In addition they are also offering their own private-label products.

And while federal regulations provide some guidance for marketing and labeling gluten-free products, certifications can take a company to another level. Check out the INSIDER exclusive video featuring Allen Rekunyk, vice president of business development at Allergen Control Group, the managers of Gluten-Free Certification Program, who addresses different types of certifications and the benefits that come along with them. We’ll continue the conversation at SupplySide West in Las Vegas, at a special workshop, “Exploring Gluten-Free Solutions," Wednesday, Oct. 5.