Baking Industry Welcomes New Gluten-free Association

 
The newly-formed Gluten-Free Industry Association (GFIA) aims to support companies involved in the manufacture and trade of gluten-free products, in response to the significant growth of the market for gluten-free products.

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 are among the new association’s priorities in 2017.

The association is UK-based and headquartered in the new FDF offices in central London.

Simon Wright, Founder of OF+ Consulting and GFIA Chair, told WorldBakers.com that the association will be providing a network and resources to support its members.

“The goal of GFIA will be to promote and protect the interests of its members. In order to do this, we will be providing a network and resources to help identify and mitigate technical issues of concern and to also represent the views of the gluten-free industry to all relevant stakeholders,” Wright said.

GFIA founder members include Bells of Lazonby, BFree Foods, Delicious Alchemy, Dr. Schar, Genius Foods, Mrs. Crimbles, Nairns Oatcakes, Northumbrian Fine Foods, and Warburtons.

The GFIA is a full member Association of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which will provide the secretariat for the association.

The association will have a page on the FDF website at a later date. Meanwhile, updates on GFIA can be read here: www.fdf.org.uk/news.aspx?article=7707.

The UK market for gluten-free products has grown rapidly, with annual free-from sales currently worth GBP585.6m, a 26.7% increase on the previous year. Sales are projected to reach GBP673m by 2020. Within the free-from market, the gluten-free market accounts for nearly 60% of the category and increased by 36% in 2015.

The next issue of European Baker & Biscuit (Jan/Feb 2017) will contain a profile of the new Gluten-Free Industry Association (GFIA).