A staggering 73% of consumers don’t think operators do enough to cater for gluten intolerances, despite the fact that 42% would expect to pay more for a gluten-free dish on a menu, a recent survey has found.
The latest research also revealed that 18-34 year olds are the group most likely to avoid gluten – a key demographic for the out-of-home market according to Horizons – while 77% of women want more gluten-free options on menus.
Wide appeal of gluten-free products
The independent research, commissioned by Swedish bakery Almondy, delved into the demand for gluten-free options out-of-home and found that while a quarter of respondents are gluten intolerant or avoid gluten for lifestyle reasons, a greater 48% have bought gluten-free products – increasing to 53% of women – proving the appeal stretches beyond coeliac sufferers and into the mainstream.
The profit opportunity: 82% think gluten-free is healthier
Andrew Ely, Managing Director at Almondy says: “The demand for coeliac-friendly menu options is not just a trend, especially as a whopping 82% of people think gluten-free food is healthier. Our research highlights the gap between supply and demand so it’s essential that caterers get on board and realise the huge profit opportunity available to them – particularly as 74% of people would be influenced by a gluten intolerant friend on where to eat.”
Almondy has created a useful infographic to share the findings and highlight why operators should give greater consideration to their gluten-free menus in order to maximise profit.
Market rapidly expanding
With the gluten-free market rapidly expanding– Kantar World Panel predicts it will be worth £519m by 2016 – Almondy provides an easy way for operators to include coeliac-friendly menu options. Baked in a dedicated gluten-free site and topped with well-love confectionary brands, they have an extensive range of almond-base desserts.
Andrew adds, “Our brand tie-ups mean operators can tap into the gluten-free market while still maintaining wide appeal. As the number one gluten-free frozen dessert brand in the UK, Almondy has built its reputation by providing great tasting desserts that offer brand reassurance and meet specific dietary needs – and most importantly, 52% of consumers said they would buy Almondy if they saw it on a menu.”
With over thirty years of baking expertise,Almondy is enjoyed in more than 45 countries, by 106 million people every year globally. The Swedish cakes are available in 3663, Brakes and all good frozen food wholesalers.
For more information about Almondy click here
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