Gluten-free firm Dr Schar has set out plans for a “five-fold increase” in product launches in the UK in 2014.
The Italy-based group said the new products would include “a number of first-to-market” lines as demand for gluten-free products grows but competition also intensifies.
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“2013 has been a positive year for the retail business, both in terms of product launches and enhancing our retail range. We’ve worked for over 30 years in the gluten free food category and it is the sole focus of our business. Our expertise and understanding of gluten free consumers is unmatched,” Bob Trice, MD of Dr Schar’s UK arm, said.
Over the last 12 months, Dr Schar has launched products it said were firsts for the gluten-free category, including quiche lorraine.
In 2014, Dr Schar plans to focus on expanding its DS-Gluten Free brand in what it called the “everyday and speciality bread category”.
Trice said: “We know our customers look for high quality and great tasting products, particularly with bread. But one of the challenges facing this sector of the gluten free market is guaranteeing the bread stays fresh up until the expiration date. While many companies are turning to preservatives to prevent their seven-day bread from turning stale, here at DS-Gluten Free we’ve developed cutting edge packaging to avoid adding unnecessary chemicals to our products.”
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By GlobalDataIn recent years, Dr Schar has seen mainstream companies like bakery group Warburtons enter the gluten-free category in the UK.
There has also been increased interest in the UK gluten-free sector from overseas. This autumn, US firm Boulder Brands launched its first products in the UK.
Genius Foods has also signalled its ambitions for its home market after buying out venture partner Finsbury Food Group.
