Snack World - February 2015 - (Page 8)

NEWS Gluten-free sales may double by 2019 Market research firm Packaged Facts estimated sales of gluten-free foods sold at retail to be $973 million in 2014. The company said gluten-free is cementing its staying power as more than a dietary fad. "Retailers have embraced the gluten-free trend by stocking more gluten-free items, featuring them instore and launching their own private label brands," said David Sprinkle, research director. "In addition, retail chains have been courting the gluten-free consumer with a variety of festivals and events." Survey data gathered by Packaged Facts in July and August 2014 showed that more than a third of consumers said a gluten-free/wheat-free label claim is an important factor when they are shopping. A quarter of the survey respondents also said they had purchased or consumed food products labeled as gluten-free in the three months prior to the survey. Packaged Facts estimates the market for glutenfree foods will exceed $2 billion in 2019. Factors that will drive the market include demographic groups showing a strong propensity to purchase glutenfree foods, the perception of health problems associated with diet, the improved quality of gluten-free foods, the growing presence of large marketers in the category, and the Food and Drug Administration's definition of gluten-free, which is expected to level the playing field among manufacturers. Convenience remains king for consumers In today's retail environment, convenience is a commodity, and shoppers are willing to spend more for it. "Post-recessionary consumers are prepared to pay for products that simplify their hectic on-the-go lives," said Daphne Kasriel-Alexander, consumer trends consultant for Euromonitor International, a London-based market research company. "Technology plays a big part in attaining convenience, and omnichannel shopping options creates a seamless link between virtual and 'real world' shops with wide consumer appeal." In its Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2015 report, Euromonitor shared prevalent drivers behind the buying habits of today's shopper. A rise in collaborative consumption and a new culture of sharing has sparked growth in such endeavors as community gardening, grouped workspaces and crowdfunding. "In 2015, the sharing economy is growing and disrupting the way in which individuals think of space and ownership," Ms. Kasriel-Alexander said. "Consumers are increasingly preoccupied with access to goods rather than owning them outright." More consumers are willing to purchase products that help them save time. Convenience stores and small neighborhood markets are thriving in many countries, as shoppers opt to buy less, more often, in a style Euromonitor called "top-up" shopping. ® SNACK FOOD ASSOCIATION An International Trade Association How to reach Hispanic consumers SNAXPO - March 28-31 Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, FL www.snaxpo.com SFA Legislative Summit - June 2-3 The Liaison Capitol Hill, Washington, DC www.sfa.org Affiliated Events Equipment and Plant Design for Allergen/Pathogen Control in Low Moisture Foods-March 17-18 The Allerton Hotel, Chicago www.sanitarydesignworkshop.org Snack Foods Processing Short Course - March 22-27 Texas A&M University, College Station, TX foodprotein.tamu.edu/extrusion 8 Snack World February 2015 www.sfa.org While Hispanic consumers vary in terms of income, age, country of origin and lifestyle, like other consumer groups, the population also differs by level of acculturation. Acculturated Hispanics have a median income of $62,000, seek value and may be willing to compromise on product quality for a good deal. Bicultural Hispanics are bilingual but choose to follow Hispanic traditions and tend to buy products marketed specifically to Hispanics. This group is digital savvy, more likely to try new things and consume both English- and Spanish-language media. Unacculturated Hispanics rely on Spanish translations on packaging and buy products specifically marketed to them. Money is tight for these consumers, but they are passionate about cooking healthy and traditional meals. This segment also is more easily influenced by advertising before buying a product. http://www.snaxpo.com http://www.sfa.org http://www.sanitarydesignworkshop.org http://foodprotein.tamu.edu/extrusion http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - February 2015

Snack World - February 2015
Table of Contents
Letter from SFA - Chairman’s Note of Thanks
News - Gluten-free sales may double by 2019
Convenience remains king for consumers
How to reach Hispanic consumers
Supplier Insight - SNAXPO 2015 - Be 'All In'
Legislative Summit - Heading to the Hill
Government Affairs - Government Affairs Update
Business Member Profile - Chipping Away
Associate Member Profile - Long Traditions in a New Generation
SNAXPO - SNAXPO 2015: Info, Knowledge, Insight
Products & Services
Ad Index

Snack World - February 2015