Free-from here to stay!

Image: The Co-operative
new free-from range

In our recent article 'Free-from, passing trend or here to stay?' we reported on the growing trend for free-from foods including recent product launches.

According to The Grocer this trend is here to stay with sales of free-from products totalling £199.5 million (52w/e 17 April 2011) in the UK alone an increase of 14.5% year-on-year.*

The report states that sales of free-from products have grown across many product categories from bakery to dairy to frozen prepared foods. This represents an opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to develop new free-from ranges as well as offering free-from versions of their most popular products.

This is just one example of how trends are driving growth in today's complex food and drink market. As consumers actively seek to lead healthier lifestyles, health and wellbeing represents a significant opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to add value.

For more information on this and other opportunities in Health and Wellbeing, take a look at our new report.

* Kantar World Panel. Source: The Grocer 16 July 2011

Recent product launches include:

The Co-operative free-from and Wholefoods ranges

Mrs Crimble Chocolate and Orange Mini Macaroons

Kikkoman gluten-free soy sauce