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September 5, 2008 10:44:06 PM CDT

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Rising Food Allergies Drive a Swelling Specialty Market

Posted Jun 8, 08 12:19 PM CDT in Science & Health,  Arts & Living,  Business 

(Newser) – As the number of people with allergies soars, so does the “free-from” food market—that is, foods that avoid common allergens like peanuts, the Washington Post reports. Specialty foods are expected to bring in $3.9 billion this year, a study says, while gluten-free products will likely bank some $1.3 billion by 2010. Special-needs customers have become a coveted slice of the market.

Some 12 million Americans have food allergies, while another 2 million have celiac, or gluten intolerance. The number of kids with peanut allergies has doubled in the past decade, leaving doctors stumped, but propelling specialty foods from a niche market to the mainstream. “There's a market opportunity, there's no doubt about it,” says a peanut-free retailer.

Source Washington Post

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A Colorado elementary school posts signs reminding students not to bring peanuts into the classroom.   (KRT Photos)
General Mills has announced that Rice Chex cereal is now gluten-free.   (AP Photo)
Leah Steans-Gail drops spoonfuls of gluten free chocolate chip muffin mix into a muffin tin held by their mother.   (KRT Photos)
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health  • food industry  • food production  • food allergies  • peanut  • gluten free diets


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