Free-from and natural foods

Demand for free-from and natural foods is expected to continue reaching $4.2 billion by 2030 at around 4% per annum growth.

 

Free-from foods refer to products that are free from gluten, lactose, allergens, dairy and/or meat; while natural and organic products encompass packaged foods and beverages that have been produced, processed and marketed in accordance with international standards and certified as ‘organic’ by appropriate authorities.

Demand for free-from and natural foods is expected to continue with global population growth and higher rates of food intolerances and avoidance. CSIRO analysis estimates the domestic consumption and export opportunity for free-from and natural foods to reach $4.2 billion by 2030 at around 4% per annum growth.

Key markets include soy milk and milk alternatives, gluten-free bread and lactose-free milk products. This reflects changing consumer preferences and dietary requirements, where around 12% of Australians avoid wheat and/or gluten, and dairy/lactose due to intolerances or dietary preferences.

Demand for alternatives to milk, eggs, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat should be strong as 90% of food allergic reactions are attributed to these nine food groups. Emergence of future products such as natural sweeteners, natural preservatives and tolerable alternatives to lactose, gluten and allergenic free products may also contribute to this growth. The rise in demand for natural, sustainable and ethically sourced foods, as well as Australian industry’s global reputation for ‘clean and green’ food, should support growth in this opportunity.

 

See full report for methodology and references.