Association responds to gluten-free boom
The newly formed Gluten Free Industry Association (GFIA) will support companies involved in the manufacture and trade of gluten-free products, which have experienced significant growth.
The UK market for gluten-free products has grown rapidly, with annual free-from sales currently worth £585.6 million and sales projected to reach £673 million by 2020. Within the free-from market, the gluten-free market accounts for nearly 60% of the category and increased by 36% over 2015.
GFIA priorities for 2017 will include the development of best practice guidelines on ingredient sourcing and gluten testing methodology in order to deliver the highest quality of products to their consumers.
Simon Wright, founder of OF+ Consulting and GFIA chair, says, “We are very pleased to be launching the Gluten Free Industry Association. The GFIA provides a single point of contact for this fast changing sector whilst encouraging the major suppliers to come together and share best practice to deliver the high quality their consumers expect.”
GFIA is a full member association of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and FDF will provide the secretariat for the association. GFIA founder members include Bells of Lazonby, BFree Foods, Delicious Alchemy, Dr Schar, Genius Foods, Mrs Crimbles, Nairns Oatcakes, Northumbrian Fine Foods and Warburtons.
