Gluten-free industry association formed
UK companies have joined forces to form the Gluten-Free Industry Association (GFIA), designed to help ensure high standards and provide consumer confidence in the manufacture of gluten-free products.
The UK market for gluten-free products has grown rapidly, with annual free from sales currently worth £585.6 million, a 26.7% increase on the previous year, according to Coeliac UK. Kantar Worldpanel projects sales will reach £673m by 2020. Within the free from market, the gluten-free market accounts for nearly 60% of the category, having risen by 36% over 2015, a Bord Bia food alert from July 2016 revealed.
GFIA priorities for 2017 include the development of best practice guidelines on ingredient sourcing and gluten-testing methodology in order to deliver high quality products. Founding members include Bells of Lazonby, BFree Foods, Delicious Alchemy, Dr Schar, Genius Foods, Mrs Crimbles, Nairns Oatcakes, Northumbrian Fine Foods and Warburtons.
The GFIA is a full member association of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
“The GFIA provides a single point of contact for this fast-changing sector, whilst encouraging the major suppliers to come together and share best practice to deliver the high quality their consumers expect,” said Simon Wright, founder of OF+ Consulting and GFIA chair.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Coeliac UK, added, “A new association devoted to gluten-free manufacturing will help the industry work together to tackle consistency and safety for the benefit of consumers and keep growing this vibrant new market.”
