The gluten free market is ever expanding and has seen the largest growth in the free-from sector. Data from Allergy UK suggests up to 25m people suffer from some food allergy or intolerance. Pidy an innovative family owned pastry manufacturer who are market leaders in gluten free pastry have put together their predictions, opinions and statistics on the gluten free industry.
Recent data from Mintel has shown that nearly two in five of those who eat or have previously eaten gluten-free foods (38%) do so because they believe it’s better for their overall health. According to information presented at the Food and Drink’s Innovation Free-From conference the UK gluten-free market is forecast to grow by 46% to £561 million by 2017. Also according to Mintel there is still a need for gluten-free food innovation, especially within categories that typically contain gluten, including bread, pasta, pizza, snacks, and desserts.
Pastry product specialists Pidy, a Belgian company with a UK base in Northampton, believe their latest range fits the bill. Robert Whittle, the company’s UK general manager, says gluten free products are commanding more and more shelf space. “We have ensured that our innovative recipes allow those opting for gluten free pastries to indulge in the same taste and flavour as our regular pastry,” he adds.
Pidy have challenged customers to see if they can tell the difference between Pidy’s regular and gluten-free versions. Eight out of 10 people couldn’t, either visually or taste-wise.
Whittle believes the gluten free market will continue to grow at an increased rate. “Even after 60 years of making pastry the Pidy NPD team continue to innovate to ensure that their products meet the demands of consumer diets whilst also retaining a high quality taste.”
Pidy, who specialise in dry puff pastry and short crust, fonçage dough, choux pastry and sponge cakes, have three production units in Belgium, France and the USA and can offer a day to day service and market support to customers in more than 50 countries.
Information: www.pidy.com
