Millennials Driving Gluten Free Demand

Survey Reveals

A new survey has revealed that one in five 18-34 year olds now have a food intolerance, while a third of consumers are opting to avoid gluten specifically – rising to 40% amongst millennials –  as part of a general lifestyle choice or to lose weight*.

The research released by Almondy – specialists in gluten-free cakes – highlights the importance of catering for a new generation of diners who are driving the free-from eating out market.  With the gluten free market now worth £210m^, the Swedish bakers are calling upon chefs, caterers and operators to take a second look at their offering, particularly during Coeliac Awareness Week (9^th – 15^th May 2016).

Andrew Ely, Managing Director, Almondy comments:

“We’ve seen a growing number of consumers avoiding gluten in recent years with our survey revealing three quarters of people have bought a gluten-free product in the last 12 months. The fact is, 1 in 100 people are affected by coeliac disease and Coeliac UK predicts half a million people in the UK are yet to be diagnosed so the demand can only increase.

“Add to this the growing army of people avoiding gluten for lifestyle reasons, particularly amongst millennials who eat out more than any other demographic, and the need for gluten-free menus with high appeal is clear – especially given that Mintel is predicting the market to grow by a further 50% by 2019!”

The research also found that more than a quarter of people would be more likely to order a cake if it was gluten-free meaning a coeliac friendly dessert offering can boost profits and drive incremental hot drink sales.

Almondy’s range of confectionery inspired gluten-free cakes enables operators to do just that, with the recent survey revealing that nearly half of those with an intolerance had heard of the Swedish cake company and a staggering 71% of millennials would buy Almondy’s globally best-selling branded cakes, Daim Cake and Toblerone Cake.

Andrew adds: “Having served the UK foodservice market for 11 years, Almondy is an established brand in not only the gluten-free community where 80% of those with an intolerance would buy our cakes if they saw them on the menu – but also bakery fans that love their confectionery. Over three decades we have built our reputation to make great tasting cakes which, along with our brand power, means operators can sweeten their profits further.”

To support caterers, Almondy’s range of gluten-free cakes is made in a certified gluten-free bakery. The range includes Almondy Cake with Toblerone, Almondy Cake with Daim, the Caramel & Peanuts variety, as well as the recently launched Chocolate Cake with Roasted Almonds which is both gluten and lactose-free, helping operators widen their free-from offering even further.

The dedicated foodservice range comes frozen and pre-proportioned into 12 slices to avoid waste as any unwanted slices can be stored in the chiller.

Baked in Sweden using only the finest natural ingredients, Almondy is enjoyed in more than 45 countries, by 106 million people every year globally. The cakes are available in Bidvest, Brakes and all good frozen food wholesalers.

*Toluna April 2016 ^Mintel April 2016

To find out more about Almondy please call 01604 858 522 or visit www.almondy.com/en