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GOURMET NEWS FEBRUARY 2015 www.gourmetnews.com GLUTEN-FREE UPDATE 1 6 It seems these days, grocery shelves are ex- ploding with gluten-free choices. This is due in large part to greater awareness of a gluten-free diet and as a result of increasing diagnoses of celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities. According to market research firm Mintel, sales of gluten-free foods reached $8.8 billion in 2014, representing an increase of 63 percent from 2012. "Overall, the gluten-free food market continues to thrive off those who must maintain a gluten-free diet for medical rea- sons, as well as those who perceive gluten- free foods to be healthier or more natural," said Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. "The category will continue to grow in the near term, especially as FDA regulations make it easier for consumers to purchase gluten-free products and trust the manufac- turers who make them. Despite strong growth over the last few years, there is still innovation opportunity, especially in food segments that typically contain gluten." All gluten-free food segments increased in the past year, although the snacks seg- ment increased the most. Gluten-free snacks increased 163 percent from 2012, reaching sales of $2.8 billion. Sales in- creases were mainly due to a 456 percent increase in potato chip sales. Meanwhile, the meats/meat alternatives segment is the second-largest gluten-free food segment in terms of sales, reaching $1.6 billion in 2014, a 14 percent increase from 2012. What is more, the bread products and ce- reals segment saw gains of 43 percent dur- ing that same time period and is set to reach $1.3 billion this year. Bread and ce- real are ripe for gluten-free growth with only 1 percent of the overall segment gluten-free. "Gluten-free products appeal to a wide audience. Forty-one percent of U.S. adults agree they are beneficial for everyone, not only those with a gluten allergy, intoler- ance, or sensitivity," said Topper. "In re- sponse, food manufacturers offering either gluten-free alternatives or existing products with a gluten-free label have increased dra- matically over the last several years." Still, it seems not everyone is convinced of the health benefits of eating gluten free. While 33 percent of survey respondents in 2013 agreed that "gluten-free diets are a fad," the number increased to 44 percent in 2014. That has not slowed gluten free's growing popularity, however. Twenty-two percent of Americans currently follow a gluten-free diet, compared to 15 percent in 2013. GN Sales of Gluten-Free Specialty Foods Surge 63 Percent in Last Two Years Seattle Gourmet Foods Delights with Dilettante Chocolates Seattle Gourmet Foods is a food manufac- turer based out of Kent, Washington. Growing both organically and through acquisition, today it is com- prised of 11 different brands found in retailers across the country. SGF's portfolio is comprised of a diverse mix of products that includes chocolate, breath mints, bakery items, jams, sauces, soups and dry mixes. Dilettante Chocolates ® is the most recognizable of the Seattle Gourmet Foods brands. Founded in 1976 by Dana Davenport, Dilettante contin- ues a family tradition in chocolate and confections that dates back three genera- tions to the late 19th century. For close to 40 years, Dilettante Chocolates ® has maintained the impeccable quality of handmade truffles, chocolate covered fruits and nuts, TruffleCremes ® , sauces, biscotti and molded chocolate that they are known for around the world. For 2015, Dilettante Chocolates ® has a new selection of Easter-themed chocolate molds. Available in five different sizes (1.75-ounce to 40-ounce) and various shapes, all of the molds are hand- decorated and made with the finest quality chocolate. Each size is pack- aged in a decorated cellophane bag with colored bow (excluding 40- ounce size). In addition to the various Easter rabbit molds, Dilettante offers a line of gift baskets made of chocolate that contain handmade truffles, foil- wrapped chocolate eggs in 7-ounce bags or 5-pound bulk and several lines of gift boxes containing a vari- ety of handmade chocolates. The shelf life is 12 months for all molds and foiled chocolates and 6 months for truffles. For more information on the brands that Seattle Gourmet Foods manufactures or on Dilettante Chocolates ® and its prod- ucts, visit www.seattlegourmetfoods.com, email sales@seattlegourmetfods.com, or call 800.800.9490. If you are visiting the Natural Products Expo West show, SGF will be at booth #7517. Mini Chocolate Dessert Cups by Kane Candy Perk Up Any Party As America's best-selling specialty brand of chocolate party cups, Kane Candy continues to provide innovative and chef- quality products to the retail class of trade. The brand continues to win numer- ous national and international industry trade and consumer awards for innova- tion, quality and taste. Consumers love the at-home-entertain- ing trend, and these chocolate cups are the perfect mini desserts for any party. Quick and easy to use, one simply fills and serves to provide party guests with world- class, pastry chef-inspired desserts! Or pair Kane Candy Dark or White Chocolate Cordial & Toasting Cups with any liqueur, port or dessert wines for a fun, ele- gant and tasty twist at your next special occasion. Kane Candy products are fan- tastic additions to any quality baking and decorating theme in your retail store. Merchandise the product in better baking sections, in party-themed displays, wedding themes, seasonal displays or in the everyday gourmet sections of your store. In addition, retailers have the oppor- tunity to cross-promote the dessert cups with fine wines and liqueurs, with dessert fillings, with soft cheeses or in better chocolate sections. Chocolate party cups from Kane Candy also make great add-on sales for floral departments, wine and cheese sections, bakeries and holiday- themed displays. All Kane Candy products are proudly made in the United States, certified kosher and gluten-free. The chocolate party cups are now available in nine award-winning retail pack varieties, including Dark Chocolate Cordial & Toasting Cups, White Chocolate Cordial & Toasting Cups, Pink Magnolia Chocolate Dessert Cups, Chocolate Tuxedo Cups, Pastel Chocolate Flower Cups, Dark Chocolate Party Cups, Pink & White Chocolate Celebration Cups and limited edition Winter Wonderland White Chocolate Holiday Cups. Kane Candy offers 48-count floor ship- per displays or open stock 12-count cases, both available from most regional specialty food distributors. For more infor- mation, visit Kane Candy online at www.kanecandy.com, or contact the com- pany directly by phone at 800.875.5557 or by email at info@kanecandy.com.

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