Demand for gluten-free foods has dramatically increased in recent years, with no signs of slowing down in 2015.
According to a new report from Packaged Facts, Gluten-Free Foods in the U.S., 5th Edition, gluten-free market sales in the retail sector reached $973 million in 2014, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34 percent over the five-year period ending in 2014.
Looking ahead, the gluten-free market’s momentum isn’t expected to wane anytime soon. The report projects sales will more than double to exceed $2 billion in 2019.
“Retailers have embraced the gluten-free trend by stocking more gluten-free items, featuring them in store, and launching their own private label brands. In addition, retail chains have been courting the gluten-free consumer with a variety of festivals and events," said Packaged Facts research director David Sprinkle.
Packaged Facts’ July/August 2014 survey data reveals that more than one-third of consumers claim gluten-free/wheat-free is an important factor when they are shopping for food. In addition, one-quarter of survey respondents had purchased or used food products labeled gluten-free in the three months prior to the survey.