ROCKVILLE, Md. — U.S. sales of gluten-free foods and beverages will exceed $6.6 billion by 2017, according to market research firm Packaged Facts.
The market for gluten-free foods and beverages has continued to grow faster than anticipated, reaching $4.2 billion in 2012, for a compound annual growth rate of 28% over the 2008-2012 period, according to Packaged Facts.
Snack/granola bars are the leading category, at 15% of mass-market sales. An August 2012 consumer survey by Packaged Facts shows that 18% of adults are buying or consuming foods products tagged as gluten-free, up from 15% in October 2010.
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The share of gluten-free consumers who are buying more of these foods has skyrocketed, and the share of total shoppers who are buying more gluten-free foods has doubled.
Most consumers buy gluten-free products because they believe they are healthier. Other reasons include increased diagnoses of celiac disease and food allergies; and growing awareness of these ailments among patients and healthcare practitioners.
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