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Summary of our market study
The French market for gluten-free products is estimated at around 200 million euros.
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, from 400,000 tonnes to over 900,000 tonnes in the space of a decade. The global gluten-free food market is expected to show robust growth, with an annual growth rate of around 8.1%.
We estimate that in 2020 the French gluten-free market will be wortharound 200 million euros.
The growth of the French market is due to a combination of an expanding product range, growing consumer health awareness, and monitoring by entities such as the French Gluten Intolerant Association (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
Gluten - a composite protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats - can be harmful to people with certain allergies or intolerances, and the market landscape has transformed to meet this growing need.
Demand for gluten-free products in France has seen annual growth of between 7 and 9%, due to both an increase in the number of diagnoses of gluten intolerance and a growing interest in healthier diets.
In France, 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 value 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 estimated national growth rate of 20% by 2020.
4-8% of the French population have completely eliminated gluten due to allergies or intolerances, with the majority of gluten-free consumers citing health reasons to justify their dietary choices.
94% of gluten-free eaters attribute their choice to health reasons or family influences, challenging the perception that these diets are fanciful trends.
Restaurateurs are gradually including gluten-free options on their menus to accommodate dietary restrictions.
The sector's growth is set to continue due to the increasing awareness and diagnosis of celiac disease, the growing acceptance of gluten sensitivity 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.
Several crucial manufacturers and distributors are playing a key role in shaping the landscape of gluten-free offerings.
- 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.
- Dr. Schär: An Italian company with a worldwide presence, Dr. Schär has carved out a leading position in the gluten-free sector.
- 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.
- Biscuiterie de Provence: 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.
- Ekibio: 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.
- La Vie Claire: A pioneer in organic and health food distribution in France, La Vie Claire has maintained its commitment to a healthy lifestyle by offering a complete range of gluten-free products.
- 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 in size, Allergoora has made a name for itself by targeting the gluten-free food market
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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 ...
6 Positioning of the actors
6.1 Major market players
- 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
- Céliane
- Genius Gluten Free
- Jardin Bio (Léa Nature)
- Le Pain des Fleurs
- Ekibio - Ma Vie Sans Gluten
- Max de Génie
- No Gluten Pro - Allergonline
- Noglu
- Valpiform - Nutrition et Santé groupe
List of charts presented in this market study
- 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
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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: the pasta champion's anti-MDD plan - 08/03/2024
- Barilla sales in 2021: 4.7 billion euros (+6.5% growth)
- Private labels capture over 50% of the pasta market and 40% of the sandwich bread market. Pasta prices up by over 11%.
- Barilla sales in France: 630 million euros (+7%), but volumes down 3%.
Barilla intends to maintain its volumes in the face of private labels - 08/03/2024
- World leader in pasta and pesto
- sales of €4.7 billion in 2023, up 6.5%, of which €630 million in France.
- Volumes down 3% in 2023 across the French perimeter.
- Increased advertising and promotional support for its Barilla and Harrys brands, in the face of private labels that now exceed 50% by volume for pasta and 40% for sandwich loaves.
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 big name in Italian pasta juggling crises - 24/04/2023
- Barilla turnover: 4.5 billion euros
- Barilla is the top buyer of durum wheat in the world
- Sales of the group's French subsidiary: €720 million by 2022 (14% growth)
- Inflation of pasta package prices: +20%
- Market share of Harry's (sandwich bread): 29.7
- Barilla has 4 bakery plants in France.
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the gluten-free food market | France
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