Barilla has launched a new gluten-free pasta range in the UAE. The certified gluten-free pasta products are made with a blend of corn and rice produced in a gluten-free facility in Italy.
According to the Gluten Free Food Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2021 report, the global gluten-free market, which was valued at US$2.84 billion in 2014, is projected to reach US$4.89 billion by 2021, expanding at a 7.7% CAGR from 2015 to 2021.
There has been a significant growth in the demand for gluten-free products across the region, in particular the UAE. According to the Nielsen report, What’s in Our Food and On Our Mind: Ingredient and Dining-Out Trends Around the World, respondents in Africa and the Middle East exceed the global average for saying they avoid gluten (32% versus 26%).
"The UAE is seeing a changing demand in consumers’ choice of food, particularly a high interest in gluten-free products. Restaurants, as well as retail companies, are growing their product lines that fit the consumers’ dietary requirements,” said Barilla – MEA managing director Loay Elkhouly. “We felt it was important to introduce a gluten-free pasta line for our customers, ensuring that it delivers quality, taste, and texture pasta lovers expect from Barilla."
The Italian family founded company will be catering to the pasta market through a diverse range of gluten-free pasta products that is expected to grow considerably in the coming years.
“For over a century, Barilla has been committed to making authentic and traditional Italian products, and continues to invest in developing and making pasta that is accessible for everyone to enjoy,” added Elkhouly.
The Italian company will offer four varieties in the Barilla gluten-free pasta line: spaghetti, penne rigate, fusilli and tortiglioni. The launch of Barilla’s gluten-free pasta range comes as a result of a shift in dietary preferences in the region. This pasta range can be eaten with any of the Barilla sauces, which are also gluten-free.
| Advertisement |
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
