Europe Free From Food Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The Europe free from food market is projected to grow with CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period (2020 - 2025).

Key Highlights

• According to the survey co-conducted by Food Marketing Institute in 2019, about 86% of consumers agreed to have higher sense of trust for food products or brands that provide access to complete and “easy to understand” ingredient listed at their labels. Nonetheless, many food companies have led the practice to provide deep insights of their formulation especially when involved in marketing of “Free-From” products.
• Moreover, organizations like the Association of European Coeliac Societies, are encouraging label transparency and supporting manufacturers by rolling out production methods and guidelines to produce gluten-free food products in the region. The association offers Crossed Grain Trademark safety guarantee for products to be claimed as Gluten-Free, in order to boost consumers’ confidence toward claims
• Europe having one of the most celiac diagnosed consumers holds most promising market for gluten-free, however, elevated prices associated with gluten-free products is restricting consumers with low-income groups to progressively buy the product, further serving as a major roadblock for the market growth.
• By distribution channel, online retailing remained fastest growing segment and a foremost contributors to the sales of free from food products, owing to major factors, like time and cost savings. Consumers are relying on online grocery shopping, such as Amazon, Sainsbury’s etc, as it provides the leisure of browsing through diverse product range while sticking to the home comfort.​

Key Market Trends

Consumer Inclination Towards Gluten Free Soups and Sauces

The growth in the gluten-free soup market in Europe is majorly driven by both, consumers that have medical conditions that require free-from diet, and also those who prefer a healthier lifestyle. Free from diet has significanly triggered the demand for gluten free soups.​ The consumers in the region are actively seeking for grab and go convenince allergy free food options that helps them in meeting their daily nutritional reuqirement. As soups infused with veggies or chicken are percieve to be healrier, the manufacturers are seen expanding their product portfolio in ready to eat gluten free soups.​ For isnatnce in 2017, Bol, a London based natural food company launched a range of gab and go soups in United Kingdom. These vegan friendly, dairy and gluten free soups include Smokey Tomato &Lentil, Mushroom & Miso, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower.​ The veganism is an on-going trend in the country and demand for clean labelled/organic soups have registered a significant demand in the past couple of years. Thus the availbility of vegan soups with better for you claims such as Gluten free, lactose free, vegan, organis, Kosher and others through robuts distribution is expected to gain greatmomentum during the forecast period across the region.​

United Kingdom Held the Largest Share in The Market

In the United Kingdom, the ‘Free-from’ claims are regulated in accordance with the provisions of the General Food Law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002) and rules relating to gluten are regulated by Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 and set out in Commission implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014. In the United Kingdom, soy milk is one of the most popular alternatives to dairy milk. However, with the rise in incidences of soy allergies and availability of healthy alternatives, manufacturers are introducing other non-dairy options, such as pea, cashew, and oats. A more recent foray into dairy free eating in the United Kingdom is the plant-based cheeses. In order to grab this opportunity, Sainsbury’s launched its vegan range of cheese under the brand name Gary in the United Kingdom.

Competitive Landscape

The Europe free from food market is a highly competitive market and comprises of regional and international competitors. Some of the major manufacturers in the market includes, DANONE SA, Dr. Schär AG / SPA, Inc. General Mills Inc, and Arla Foods amba., among others. The major strategies adopted by the companies in the market are new product launches, agreements/partnerships, expansions, mergers, and acquisitions. The merger or acquisition of companies, in order to utilize the respective key strengths, such as intense R&D activities, distribution network, and the development of new products, to enhance the portfolio and capture the on- going inetrest among consumers such as orgainc, plant based products and others. Owing to the changing tastes and preferences of consumers, there have been considerable developments of products by various global players

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• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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