NEW OXFORD, PA — Gluten-free looks poised for continued growth in 2014, according new research conducted on behalf of Hain Pure Protein Corporation. Four in ten health conscious respondents (41%) are planning to buy more gluten-free products this year, with 57% intending to buy the same amount as they did in 2013. Notably, 70% of those surveyed said they regularly purchased products that were labeled gluten-free.
"We found it particularly interesting that gluten intolerance or celiac disease was only a factor among about 3 in 10 of these gluten-free shoppers," commented Barb Quijano, Vice President of Marketing for Hain Pure Protein, which sells FreeBird® chicken and Plainville Farms® turkey, adding, "about half of the shoppers said they viewed gluten-free as 'healthier'."
Retailers may also want to take note that "gluten-free selection" was a factor in store selection by 1 in 4 consumers, with 26% overall stating it impacted their decision, and 46% of those who purchase frozen chicken products saying it was a factor. More than half of the consumers also stated that they preferred that their gluten free chicken also be antibiotic-free (57%), organic and humanely raised (52% each).
This survey was part of the 2014 Market LOHAS MamboTrack Annual Natural & Organic Consumer Study.
In addition to gluten-free pre-cooked frozen products, Hain Pure Protein offers FreeBird ® premium lines of both fresh Antibiotic-free and Organic Chickens. All FreeBird chickens are humanely raised on family farms, where they are fed a vegetarian diet, completely free of all animal byproducts. FreeBird Organic Chickens are free range and FreeBird Antibiotic-free Chickens are free to roam inside the barns.
For more information about FreeBird, visit www.freebirdchicken.com, email info@freebirdchicken.com or call FreeBird Customer Service at 800-724-0206.
About Hain Pure Protein Corporation
Hain Pure Protein Corporation is a joint venture between Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAIN). Hain Pure Protein Corporation is a leader in growing natural, antibiotic-free poultry produced under well-known brands that include FreeBird® and Plainville Farms® for major retailers, specialty and natural food stores, and foodservice operators nationwide. Their corporate offices are located in New Oxford, PA. For more information, contact 800.724.0206.
Source: Hain Pure Protein Corporation
