Retailers are anticipating moderate growth from the 'free from' category this year, according to a survey carried out by Retail Intelligence, Food & Hospitality Ireland and the CSNA.
63% of respondents to the survey said they anticipated less than 10% growth in sales of 'free from' products this year, however 30% said that they anticipated between 30% and 50% growth. Just 7% of respondents predicted sales growth of more than 50% in the category.
Respondents were also asked to identify the factors that prohibit them from expanding their range of gluten free foods in-store.
30% of respondents cited 'cost issues', while 26% said there was a 'lack of knowledge and understanding' about 'free from products'. 21% said that there was a 'difficulty in sourcing gluten free products'.
The survey of 120 retailers was carried out in advance of the recent Food & Hospitality Ireland exhibition, which took place in the Citywest Hotel last month.
In August, the Scandinavian market leader for gluten free products, Fria, announced that it was launching in Ireland, with its products going on sale in selected SuperValu outlets in Cork.
Gunilla Lisspers, Export Manager, Fria Gluten Free told Retail Intelligence that the company's entry into the Irish market is timely, as "increased awareness about coeliac disease and food allergies drives the demand for high quality products. We believe that Fria Gluten Free bakery products will bring something new and will have an important role to play on the Irish market."
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
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