Market Overview
Gluten is the only protein found in completely indigestible food. Its indestructible molecules can slip through the intestinal lining and cause inflammation in the intestines of people with celiac disease. A gluten-free diet excludes foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat and several other grains. Gluten-free foods are commonly less fortified with folic acid, iron, and other nutrients than regular foods containing gluten. A gluten-free diet is beneficial for managing signs and symptoms of celiac disease and other medical conditions associated with gluten. Increasing consumer demand for health and nutritional bakery products due to global consumer health consciousness drives the market growth in the forecast period.
The global Gluten-Free bakery market was valued at USD YY million in 2021. It is forecasted to reach USD YY million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period (2022-2029).
Market Dynamics: Increasing cases of celiac disease is driving the growth of the market
The increasing cases of celiac disease and rising concern regarding this disease are leading people to shift towards gluten-free diets. Celiac is a severe autoimmune, genetic disease that affects the small intestine villi and interferes with food nutrient absorption. Many gluten-free product buyers have coeliac disease and must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet because that is the only way to manage the disease and reduce the possibility of other complications. According to the National Library of Medicine, the global prevalence of the celiac disease is at 1.4 % (95% confidence interval, 1.1%-1.7%) in 275,818 individuals, based on positive results from tests for anti-tissue transglutaminase or anti-endomysial antibodies (called seroprevalence) which led to people switching to the gluten-free lifestyle. Moreover, the changing consumer interest as people become more conscious of leading a healthier lifestyle and consuming a healthy diet is supporting market growth.
As people are shifting towards gluten-free products, the prevailing craving for bakery products has led the bakery industry to introduce gluten-free bakery products. The introduction of gluten-free flours, along with other gluten-free items like fruits and dairy products, is creating opportunities for bakers to come up with a variety of gluten-free bakery products which can be enjoyed by everyone, including coeliac patients. The availability of a wide range of products at affordable prices and the convenience of ready-to-eat foods has further resulted in the huge popularity of gluten-free bakery products.
Market Segmentation: Bread segment accounted for the highest share in global Gluten-free bakery market
The bread segment held the largest market share due to the increased consumer demand for gluten-free bakery products like bread. Gluten-free bread meets the demand for quick and convenient food, particularly among the working population. The capacity to customize bread to meet specific needs is also predicted to drive segment growth. The rising consumption of gluten-free bread by patients having celiac disease further enhances the industry’s growth. In regions like North America and Europe, where bread products are considered a staple food, alternative flour bread are becoming more common as consumers are seeking gluten-free variants of their favorite bakery products.
Furthermore biscuits & cookies segment held a significant market share due to shifting consumers’ bakery food preferences, and evolving trends toward healthy diets are augmenting the product demand across the globe. Furthermore, busy lifestyles and increased health & wellness concerns are expected to fuel healthy snacking habits and accelerate industry growth over the next decade. The rising demand for healthy cookies among children further contributes to segment growth. Significant food processing industry growth further creates ample segment growth opportunities.
Geographical Penetration: North America is the dominating region during the forecast period
North America held the largest share significant population of consumers with celiac disease in the region. The United States and Canada are the largest shareholding countries in the region due to increasing consumer awareness about healthy eating. According to the Beyond Celiac estimation data, 1 in 133 Americans of the population suffer from celiac disease. However, recent screening studies show a higher prevalence than 1% in the United States.
Asia Pacific region held a significant market share in the gluten-free bakery market. It offers huge opportunities for the growth and innovation of gluten-free bakeries. India and China are the largest shareholding countries in the region due to an increase in the disposable income of consumers. India is the second largest producer of biscuits after the USA. Bakery is the largest segment of the food industry in India. Changing consumer habits and lifestyles are shaping the bakery industry in India. Part of a global trend, there is greater demand for healthier products and alternatives, particularly when it comes to bakery product which are more commonly consumed daily as opposed to being a treat. With high consumption rates, customers want baked goods that are ’guilt-free’ and are increasingly seeking gluten-free products or goods made with alternative ingredients such as multigrain and whole-wheat.
Competitive Landscape:
There are several established participants in the industry and local manufacturers; hence, the market is fragmented. Some major market players are Amy’s Kitchen, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc., Dawn Food Products, The Hain Celestial Group, Dr. Schar AG, Freedom Nutritional Products Ltd., General Mills, Conagra Brands, Valeo Foods Ltd., WGF Bakery Products, and Europastry S.A. among others. Some major key players launched new gluten-free bakery products to fulfill consumers’ demands. For instance, in January 2022, MYBREAD Gluten Free Bakery Launched its Original Flatbread Pitas at select Walmart stores around the country. The newly launched product is available at stores in California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin. Flatbread Pitas make various dishes, such as crispy pizzas, fluffy wraps, and naan bread substitutions. The newly launched product is vegan and free from dairy, eggs, nuts and soy. In May 2022, Just Desserts Yorkshire added a seven-strong gluten-free range to its handcrafted cakes and desserts portfolio. Products included Chocolate & Caramel Cake, Victoria Sponge, Cherry & Almond Cake, Raspberry & White Chocolate Cake, Caffe Latte, Blondie Traybake, and Salted Caramel Millionaire. In June 2021, Dawn Launched Frozen Indulgent Gluten Free Sweet Bakery food products named as muffins and a chocolate brownie in the market. Chocolate-filled muffins are made with indulgent Belgian white and dark chocolate chunks and a delicious chocolate sauce.
COVID-19 Impact: Negative impact on the global gluten-free bakery market
Bakery products have been affected by the coronavirus. By 2020, several nations’ governments had implemented social distancing regulations and lockdowns throughout various areas, which posed the world’s largest problem. Due to the restricted supply chain activities manufacturers cannot procure the raw materials and manufacture goods to cater to the demand. Moreover, there was a shortage of manpower, transportation and investors in the worldwide market for bakery products. The effects on the bread products market were substantial to COVID-19. During the high pandemic, several bakeries had to close down because of inadequate sales of bread items and a scarcity of employees. Alongside this, lock-down interruptions in logistic systems disrupted the supply chain, eventually harming the market through the unavailability of items according to customers’ demands.
However, post-pandemic, the market for gluten-free bakeries is projected to witness an optimistic growth trend; owing to the rise in consumers preferring gluten-free bakery foods as a result of a shift in the consumption lifestyles towards healthier eating.
The global gluten-free bakery market report would provide an access to approximately 53 market data tables, 40 figures and 170 pages