Whether fueled by celebrity dieting efforts or genuine dietary need (or even both), the market for allergen-free products in the U.S. continues to grow, but the surge is by no means confined stateside. According to “Food Allergy and Intolerance Products: A Global Strategic Business Report,” from Global Industry Analysts (GIA), the global market for these goods is expected to grow to more than $26.5 billion over the next five years. In the U.S. alone, the incidence of food allergies has grown by an estimated 18.5% over the past decade.
As the report notes, “Additionally, growth in the marketplace is also expected to stem from the increasing preference for wheat-free and gluten-free diets, advancements in diagnosis of allergies, improved labeling regulations, and also through the launch of innovative and appetizing products.”