AUBURN, Wash. (March 2, 2023)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organization, will be hosting a discussion at Natural Products Expo West about the consumer lifestyles, food trends and choices that are now contributing to the gluten-free category’s value and ongoing growth. GIG will present “Consumer Trends & Growth Opportunities: What’s Next in Gluten Free” on Thursday, March 9 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 5. The discussion will be moderated by New Hope Network and include representatives from  GIG, GIG Cares, SPINS, Healthy Edge Retail Group, Tribe 9 Foods and food distributor, UNFI.

The gluten-free market is strong and growing fast. According to Statista, growth is expected to reach $14 billion globally by 2032. The market is clearly responding. In 2022, GIG’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) certified 9,300 products from more than 800 brands worldwide, underscoring unprecedented consumer demand for the most stringent certification possible.

To further help manufacturers and buyers attending the show to learn more about the gluten-free market and the benefits of certification, GFCO will be in Booth 444 to share details on the advantage brands gain when products are certified by GFCO, and answer questions about the certification process. The GFCO mark is the symbol of trust for gluten-free consumers thanks to its high standards for quality control and for ensuring certified products contain 10 parts per million (ppm) or less of gluten – twice as strict as the FDA’s 20 ppm requirement for products labeled gluten-free.

“With rising demand in the gluten-free market, there are significant opportunities for brands to capitalize on this growth,” said Jeanne Reid, marketing manager of GIG. “We’re excited to show companies joining us at Expo West how they can leverage this trend to grow their businesses while earning consumer confidence. Coming to our panel discussion to hear the experts talk about the strength of the market, key categories and growth opportunities is a great place for them to start, followed by stopping by our booth to find out more about the power of GFCO certification.”

Those visiting GIG’s booth can also learn about how their company can support GIG Cares, an independent nonprofit organization working to eliminate food insecurity in the gluten-free community. Through its Cutting Costs program, monthly boxes of food with GFCO-certified products are delivered to households in need throughout the U.S. Products from companies that have participated will be on display.

For more details about GIG’s panel discussion at Expo West, click here.

About the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 80 local support groups across the United States, GIG has increased its presence internationally to 50 countries. GIG’s mission is to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free and does this through consumer support, education and its food safety programs. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for foodservice facilities offering gluten-free options. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services. For information, visit www.gluten.org.

Media Contact:           Joe Garber, Sterling Kilgore, jgarber@sterlingkilgore.com, 847-630-5005

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