- Rising inclination towards gluten-free and clean label products to propel the market growth
Due to rising disposable incomes and the rising popularity of free-from products in nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, China, India, and many others, there has been a significant increase in demand for clean-label and gluten-free processed food products, such as biscuits, cookies, crackers, and scones, in recent years. This is especially true in Asia-Pacific. The prevalence of celiac disease in various parts of the world is one of the primary factors influencing consumer preference for gluten-free goods. According to the Coeliac Organization of the UK, celiac disease affects one in every 100 people.
In a similar vein, according to the Beyond Celiac Organization, in 2021 there were around 1 in 133 Americans, or 1% of the population. People tend to favor products that are gluten-free as a result. Players in the industry are also concentrating on creating high-fiber, high-calorie, and gluten-free products in light of the trend. For instance, Arnott's firm introduced gluten-free variations of Tiny Teddy, Scotch Finger, and Choc Ripple in July 2021. A gluten-free mixture of corn, soy, rice, sorghum, and tapioca is used to make the items.
The market expands as a result of increased customer demand for nutritive goods as well as a rise in clean-label items. Customers have discreetly benefited from product launches throughout the years that made label claims like "no artificial ingredients," "non-GMO," and "reduced sugar." Thus, this factor is driving the market CAGR.
Furthermore, the market is anticipated to increase quickly in the future due to rapid urbanisation. The term "urbanisation" describes the movement of people into relatively confined areas to create cities. Land is altered for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation uses as a result of this concentration. Urbanization has an impact on consumer preferences and spatial patterns of food demand, which helps to modify food systems globally. For instance, the World Economic Forum, a non-governmental and lobbying organisation with headquarters in Switzerland, predicted in April 2022 that by the year 2050, 80% of the world's population would live in cities.
By 2050, it is anticipated that 80% of the world's population, or more than 4.3 billion people, will reside in cities.
Additionally, the biscuits sector faces a challenge from the growing demand for healthy snack bars worldwide. Recently, granola bars have gained a lot of popularity as more wholesome snacks. Additionally, there is a parallel rise in demand for very nutritious snack food bars. The desire for better meal replacement options among modern consumers is what drives the market for snack bars. Even while fruit snacks and other snacks, including yoghurt, cereal bars, and others, are thought of as better options for snacking, the consumption of processed snacks, such as dried, and preserved types of processed fruit snacks, offends certain customers.
Fresh fruits and vegetables do not include any of the processed additives or toxins found in packaged snacks, therefore consumers are changing their diets to include more of them.
However, a crucial trend that is becoming increasingly popular in the market is product innovation. To maintain their position in the business, major competitors like Club Crisps and Town House Dipping Thins are creating goods with improved flavours and textures. For instance, the Sunfeast All-Rounder potato biscuit, which ITC Limited, an Indian food manufacturer active in the market, introduced in July 2021, is masala sprinkled and one of the thinnest biscuits, while the potato in the foundation gives them a special feel.
Customers enjoy a powerful aroma and flavour from the masala sprinkled on top that remains long after each bite. So, it is anticipated that this aspect will accelerate biscuits market revenue globally.
The Global Biscuits Market is experiencing a notable shift towards healthier options, as consumers increasingly prioritize nutritional value alongside taste, suggesting a potential transformation in product offerings.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations