Summary

The global gluten-free food market is expected to show robust growth, with an annual growth rate of around 8.1%. This upward trend is reflected in the French market, where gluten-free products accounted for the equivalent of 96 million euros. This distribution channel accounts for around 49% of total sales of gluten-free products, representing a national market of almost 195 million euros. The growth of the French market is due to a combination of an expanding product range, growing consumer awareness of health issues, and the control exercised by bodies such as the Association française des intolérants au gluten (AFDIAG).

Gluten-free products, including beer, pasta, bread and ready meals, are increasingly associated with a healthier diet, fuelling consumer demand. Major industry players are adapting their strategies and positions to respond to this market, which has strong potential for sustained growth given the prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity among consumers.

Growth dynamics and consumer trends

Demand for gluten-free products in France has grown substantially, in parallel with a worldwide increase characterized by an annual growth rate of between 7 and 9%, rethis is thought to be due to both an increase in the number of diagnoses of gluten intolerance and a growing interest in healthier diets. As gluten - a composite protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats - can be harmful to people suffering from certain allergies or intolerances, the market landscape has been transformed to meet this growing need.

Globally, the size of the gluten-free food market has been estimated at between 5 and 6 billion USD in 2020, with projections estimating its value at over 8 billion USD by the mid-2020s. This corresponds to a considerable increase in the volume of gluten-free food production, which will rise from 400,000 tonnes to over 900,000 tonnes in the space of a decade, further underlining the market's accelerating growth. In France in particular, gluten-free products have carved out an important place for themselves, accounting for around 22% of the health food market in supermarkets and hypermarkets, which translates into a valuation of almost 100 million euros for this distribution channel alone. Taking into account other distribution channels, the overall French market for gluten-free products is estimated at around 200 million euros, with an impressive national growth rate estimated at 20% by 2020.

In terms of consumer behavior, 4-8% of the French population has completely eliminated gluten due to allergies or intolerances, with the majority of gluten-free consumers citing health reasons for their dietary choices. Furthermore, 94% of gluten-free eaters attribute their choice to health reasons or family influences, challenging the perception that these diets are fanciful trends. This group includes both individual consumers and restaurateurs, who are gradually including gluten-free options on their menus to accommodate dietary restrictions. In addition, online searches for "gluten-free" terms in France have stabilized, indicating sustained interest rather than a passing fad.

The sector's growth is set to continue as a result of the growing awareness and diagnosis of celiac disease, the increasing acceptance of gluten sensitivity as a distinct condition, and the emergence of gluten-free products. as a distinct condition, recommendations against gluten consumption for certain autoimmune diseases, mandatory allergen labeling regulations and public endorsement by celebrities adopting gluten-free diets. However, despite the conscious move towards a better diet, spending on gluten-free foods remains relatively low.

As the French gluten-free market continues to grow, several crucial companies are playing a key role in shaping the landscape of gluten-free offerings. These organizations range from established manufacturers to innovative distributors, all contributing to a more varied and accessible range of gluten-free products.

  • Nutrition & Santé: Based in France, Nutrition & Sante is a leading manufacturer that dominates the gluten-free product range thanks to its expertise in health-focused food solutions. The company's commitment to nutritional value and dietary needs has made it a household name in France for those seeking gluten-free alternatives.
  • Dr. Schär: An Italian company with a worldwide presence, Dr. Schär has carved out a place for itself in the gluten-free sector. Schär is a trusted brand for consumers looking for quality gluten-free foods.
  • La Vie Claire: A pioneer of organic and dietetic food in France, La Vie Claire has maintained its commitment to a healthy lifestyle by offering a complete range of gluten-free products that meet the needs of people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • ABCD Nutrition: A French brand specializing in the creation of gluten-free products, ABCD Nutrition is recognized for its innovation and the quality of its products, which meet the growing demand for alternative dietary products.
  • Biscuiterie de Provence: A testament to localized production and a specialized offering, Biscuiterie de Provence markets a unique range of gluten-free cookies and bakery products, combining traditional Provençal flavors with the need for gluten-free options.
  • Nature & Cie: With its roots in France, Nature & Cie offers a variety of gluten-free products, emphasizing the importance of natural ingredients and meeting consumers' taste and health requirements.
  • Ekibio: As one of the leading distributors of gluten-free products in France, Ekibio plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of these products on the market. Its efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and spread of gluten-free food options.
  • Bio c'bon: Another major player in the distribution field, Bio c'bon offers a wide selection of organic and gluten-free products. Its contribution to the accessibility of health-focused products is key to the continued popularity and consumer shift towards gluten-free diets.
  • Allergoora: Although smaller than the other players, Allergoora has made a name for itself by targeting the gluten-free food market
Get all the information you need
to understand this market

Detailed content

Inforamtion

  • Number of pages : 30 pages
  • Format : Digital and PDF versions
  • Last update : 20/11/2021
Update Details

Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Market definition

Gluten is a substance resulting from the processing of certain cereals (wheat, rye, barley, oats). Present in nearly 70% of food products, it can be harmful to people diagnosed as intolerant or allergic

In France, the offer is controlled by the French Association of Gluten Intolerants (AFDIAG), created in 1989 to ensure the labelling of gluten-free products.

Some of the most commonly sold gluten-free products include

  • Beer;
  • Appetizer cookies;
  • Pasta;
  • Bread;
  • The sweet grocery store;
  • Savoury grocery ;
  • Ready-made meals.

The global market for gluten-free foods is on the rise (11.6% growth in value between 2016-2021) as well as the French market where the dynamics are even more important, the domestic growth rate is estimated at 20% between 2016 and 2020.

Pulled by a diversification of the offer of gluten-free products, the market also benefits from consumer sympathy, as gluten-free products are often associated with a healthier diet

The "gluten-free" craze has convinced the most major food groups to position itself in this segment, alongside the smaller players Pioneers in the segment or specialised in "organic" food.

1.2 A fast-growing global market

The histogram below represents the global gluten-free food market size from **** to ****

Market for gluten-free products World, ****-****, billion dollars Source: ****

In ****, the global gluten-free food market was worth approximately USD *.* billion. It is estimated that this market will grow at about *.*% per year over the period ****-**** to reach USD ...

1.3 The French market

According to LSA, in ****, gluten-free products would represent **% of the market for dietary products sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets, i.e. ** million euros out of *** million euros in this distribution channel.

To estimate the overall market for gluten-free products in France, we need to know the proportion of these products that ...

2 Analysis of the demand

2.1 Consumer profile

The number of consumers who have completely stopped eating gluten would be between * and *% of the total population, these consumers corresponding to two distinct groups.

People with celiac disease who suffer from permanent intolerance ; People who are allergic to wheat or gluten;

In addition, a significant number of people are declared ...

2.2 High growth potential

Diets practiced by the French France, ****, in % Source: ****

If we count about * to *% of French people, i.e. those who would have banned gluten from their diet because of allergy or intolerance, ** million French people would be occasional consumers of gluten-free products.

Reason for consuming gluten-free products France, ****, in % Source: ****

Another ...

2.3 Spending is still low despite the desire to eat better

Monthly expenditure of the French on gluten-free food France, ****, in Source: ****

As most French people consume gluten, it seems logical to observe that almost **% of them have no monthly expenditure on gluten-free products. However, it appears that the monthly expenditure of people consuming gluten-free products varies between * and more than *** euros. ...

2.4 Trends in the gluten-free market in France

The market for gluten-free products is a very innovative one, as Julie Avrillier, Secretary General of the Dietetic Sector, explains: "Consumption is refocusing on consumers who "need" it, i.e. coeliac patients and people with gluten intolerance. (***)".

According to a government study, there is also a strong adaptation of the market ...

3 Market structure

3.1 Forces and organization of the sector

Main players in the French market by volume France, ****, in % Source: ****

Main players in the French market by value France, ****, in % Source: ****

We can see that the gluten-free product offer is held by a handful of players who have a large share of the French market. The major players in the ...

3.2 External competition and substitutes

The French population is becoming increasingly aware of the need to eat healthy, and while some people are turning to gluten-free to control their diet, it is not the only alternative. People who turn to gluten-free to eat healthy and not out of obligation can therefore find substitutes in other ...

3.3 Production that expands with consumer trends

Gluten-free manufacturers have been constantly expanding their range of new products in recent years. For example, they have moved into the beverage sector, with the gluten-free beer marketed.

While this sub-segment of the gluten-free market has existed since **** with the creation by Jade Brewery of the range Jade Gluten Free This ...

3.4 Distribution channels for gluten-free products

There are five main sales channels for gluten-free products:

The large and medium-sized stores Like Système U, Carrefour, Auchan, Leclerc and Intermarché, which distribute gluten-free beer from Brasserie Castelain [***]. They account for approximately **% of sales in this segment and have had an increasing availability of gluten-free products on their shelves ...

3.5 Interview with Cécile Gleize, founder and CEO of Because Gus

Marine: Welcome to the Niche, the podcast that analyzes the niche market with the entrepreneurs who are moving the lines. I'm Marine and I work at Business Group, the startup that dusts off market research. Before we start, subscribe to our podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast. And now, let's get ...

4 Analysis of the offer

4.1 Types of products

While the gluten-free family of products covers a variety of applications ranging from cosmetics to beer, foodstuffs remain the most important products in the gluten-free sector. Thus, within the food industry, the most common products include the following categories:

Flour (***) Bread, pastries and cakes Dry pasta Pizza dough, puff pastry, shortcrust ...

4.2 Differentiated growth by product type

Three product categories stand out from the rest with strong growth:

Breakfast : the products usually consumed by the French for breakfast contain a lot of gluten (***), so this sub-market has strong development potential. Pasta In this segment, brands are finding ways to provide consumers with foodstuffs that are a priori "forbidden" ...

4.3 A significant price premium for gluten-free products

The prices of gluten-free products are generally higher than the prices of so-called "classic" products. In fact, a basic basket of gluten-free products shows that prices per kilogram are up to * times higher for some products, particularly biscuits.

Source: ****

4.4 The price of gluten-free products

Dr Schär, the European leader in gluten-free products with a strong presence in the French market, justifies the high prices of gluten-free products by proportionally higher production costs. On the one hand, according to the manufacturer, the European regulation in force (***) contributes to higher production costs as these raw materials ...

4.5 Supply trends

The restaurant industry  has particularly invested in the gluten-free segment, as has the Pizza Hut which has launched a range of certified gluten-free pizzas, or Parisian restaurants such as NoGlu that offer certified gluten-free menus (***).

Bakeries are also starting to produce certified gluten-free products, such as Eric Kayser in Paris * and ...

5 Regulation

5.1 Regulation of the term "gluten-free

Among the existing regulations we can mention the Implementing Regulation (***) No ***/**** of the European commission of ** July **** on requirements for the provision of information to consumers on the absence or reduced presence of gluten in foodstuffs.

These regulations came into force on ** July **** repealing the **** regulations

To ensure that the signal ...

5.2 The need for controls to ensure product quality

The only way for celiac patients to maintain their health is to avoid gluten in their diet. Therefore, the truthfulness of "gluten-free" or "very low gluten" claims is fundamental for this population. Gluten-free" products must contain a maximum of ** ppm of gluten, "very low gluten" products must contain a maximum of ...

List of charts

  • Global gluten-free food market volume
  • Global gluten-free food market value, by category
  • Market for gluten-free products
  • Market for gluten-free products
  • Reason for consuming gluten-free foods
Show more Hide

All our studies are available online in PDF format

Take a look at an example of our research on another market!

Do you have a question about this study?   +44 238 097 0676

Latest news

Barilla loses the second round of the cookie war - 02/04/2024
  • Date of the Beginning of the Affair: June 2023 - Barilla asks the Court of Brescia to prohibit the sale of nine types of cookies by the Tedesco and Sapori Artigianali companies for excessive similarity to its own products.
  • First Degree of Judgment: February 2024 - The Court partially grants Barilla's requests, banning the sale of certain products and the use of certain packaging due to their similarity to Mulino Bianco's products and packaging.
  • Second Degree of Judgment: March 18, 2024 - The Court of Brescia dismisses Barilla's complaint and accepts the claims of the Tedesco and Sapori Artigianali companies.
  • Arguments of the Reversal of the Judgment:
    • Volgarization of Shape Marks: The shape of the cookies in question is now considered so common that it is no longer distinctive of a particular manufacturer.
    • Packaging Disputed: Despite similarity, Tedesco's packaging is not considered likely to create undue confusion or associations with Barilla's due to the prevalence of common elements in the industry.
    • Urgency of the Proceedings: The court rejects the urgency requested by Barilla for intervention, noting that Barilla was aware of the sale of the "similar" products as early as 2016.
  • Implications for the Industry: This case highlights the importance of distinctiveness and originality in product and packaging design in an overcrowded market. It also shows the legal and business challenges in protecting these aspects in competitive environments.
Barilla launches "Accordions": six years of research for a brioche perfect for dunking - 26/03/2024
  • Research and development period: 6 years, started in 2018.
  • Production facility: Melfi, Basilicata.
  • Investment: Over 30 million euros in the last 3 years in the Melfi plant, with investments dedicated to both sustainability and innovation, including the creation of production lines for Pancakes and Fisarmoniche.
  • Sugar content: Accordions has -35% sugar compared to the average of best-selling snacks.
  • Calorie content: 120 kcal/piece.
  • Plant production capacity: Maximum capacity of 83,000 tons/year.
  • Number of employees in Melfi: More than 350.
  • Quality checks: More than 5,000 checks on finished products and 200 on raw materials per day.
  • Environmental savings over the past 10 years: 40% water savings and 27% reduction in CO2 emissions.
  • Total number of Mulino Bianco references: Over 130, which include cookies, snacks, and breads.
  • Italians' preference for dunking: 6 out of 10 Italians like to dunk snacks or cookies for breakfast.
  • Ingredients: Without coloring and preservative additives or palm oil. Contains 4% fiber.
  • Plant size: 202,000 m^2.
BARILLA CUTS PRICES FROM 7 PERCENT TO 13 PERCENT - 16/01/2024

Price reduction by Barilla: 7% to 13%.

  • Products involved: Spaghetti No. 5, most of the pasta assortment, Mulino Bianco products (cookies, snacks, rusks, breads) and some Pavesi items (such as Gocciole)
  • Duration of the promotion: until December 31, 2024
  • Rationale: Extraordinary operation to reduce transfer prices to direct customers and distributors, achieved by lowering contract prices on a significant basket of products
  • Other strategic initiatives of Barilla: investments along its supply chains, in production sites, focus on research and development of new technologies, innovation with new product launches, communication campaigns, continuous collaboration with partners operating in the distribution sector
Barilla, a great name in Italian pasta juggling crises - 24/04/2023
  • Barilla sales: 4.5 billion euros
  • Barilla is the world's leading buyer of durum wheat
  • Sales of the group's French subsidiary: 720 million euros by 2022 (14% growth)
  • Price inflation for pasta packets: +20%
  • Harry's market share (sandwich bread): 29.7
  • Barilla has 4 bakery plants in France.
Harrys aims to conquer baguette country - 18/04/2023
  • The market has tripled in size in twenty years.
  • 30% market share for Harrys.
  • 11 billion euros in sales for traditional bakery products by 2022.
  • Steady decline in fresh bread consumption in France since 2015.
  • Harry's founded in 1970 and acquired by Italy's Barilla in 2003.
  • Share of pre-sliced and pre-packed bread consumption in France: nearly 10%.
  • Share of pre-sliced and pre-packed bread consumption in Germany: 45%.
  • Share of pre-sliced and pre-packed bread consumption in Spain: 14%.
7.5 million loan for gluten-free bakery Genius Foods - 12/04/2023
  • Genius Foods was taken over last year by Katjes Greenfood, the investment arm of German confectionery group Katjes.
  • Genius Foods' retail sales fell by 5% to £29m last year, on top of a 9% decline in 2021.
  • In comparison, Warburtons' gluten-free sales reached £30m.
  • Genius Foods was founded in 2009 and its products are available in all UK supermarkets and catering outlets.
  • The company also has a presence in Europe and Australia.
  • In 2021, Genius Foods launched a range of breads baked with active cultures, a first in the UK. The range, including breads, rolls and buns, is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, while remaining gluten-free.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Nutrition & Santé Groupe
ABCD Nutrition
Dr Schär
La vie Claire
Biscuiterie de Provence
Ekibio (Groupe Lea Biodiversité)
Bio c' Bon
Allergoora
Nature & Cie
Barilla
Aglina Paradeigma
Soreda Diet - BioRévola

Choosing this study means :

Access to more than 35 hours of work

Our studies are the result of over 35 hours of research and analysis. Using our studies allows you to devote more time and added value to your projects.

Benefit from 6 years' experience and over 1,500 industry reports already produced

Our expertise enables us to produce comprehensive studies in all sectors, including niche and emerging markets.

Our know-how and methodology enable us to produce reports that offer unique value for money.

Access to several thousand articles and paid-for data

Businesscoot has access to all the paid economic press as well as exclusive databases to carry out its market research (over 30,000 articles and private sources).

To enhance our research, our analysts also use web indicators (semrush, trends, etc.) to identify market trends and company strategies. (Consult our paying sources)

Guaranteed support after your purchase

A team dedicated to after-sales service, to guarantee you a high level of satisfaction. +44 238 097 0676

A digital format designed for our users

Not only do you have access to a PDF, but also to a digital version designed for our customers. This version gives you access to sources, data in Excel format and graphics. The content of the study can therefore be easily retrieved and adapted for your specific needs.

Our offers :

the gluten-free food market | France

89 €
  • What are the figures on the size and growth of the market?
  • What is driving the growth of the market and its evolution?
  • What is the positioning of companies in the value chain?
  • Data from several dozen databases

Pack 5 études (-15%) France

75.6 € / study
378 € instead of 445 € -15%
  • 5 études au prix de 75,6€HT par étude à choisir parmi nos 800 titres sur le catalogue France pendant 12 mois
  • Conservez -15% sur les études supplémentaires achetées
  • Choisissez le remboursement des crédits non consommés au terme des 12 mois (durée du pack)

Consultez les conditions du pack et de remboursement des crédits non consommés.

Updates

Do you have a question ?
Our team is at your disposal at   +44 238 097 0676