Gluten-Free Imports Gaining Ground in U.S.

April 8, 2009 - PRLog -- CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Gluten-free imports are showing up more often in U.S. retail stores, as the growth of the gluten-free category has made the U.S. market attractive.  Imports have a long track record of in success in Europe due to higher awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease.  According to Cynthia Kupper, Executive Director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, companies like Toro in Norway “have been producing good-tasting gluten-free products for 30 years, while most U.S. manufacturers have much less experience.”

Jenny Bosking, president of TastesLikeRealFood.com, saw the difference for herself on a trip to Norway, and decided to become a gluten-free importer.  Today, she buys Toro baking mixes by the sea container and ships to retail and internet stores across the country.  “We just attended Expo West, a major natural foods trade show, and so many retailers said they wanted our products.  They had never tasted a gluten-free product as good as ours.”

Denise Ramey, gluten-free buyer at Raisin Rack stores of Ohio, thinks imports like Toro have a bright future in the U.S.  "Our customers really like the taste of Toro baking mixes.  Toro is the #1 gluten-free brand in Norway and a top-seller in our stores. We are actively seeking more imported products like this."

Retail distribution for Toro gluten-free baking mixes continues to grow, with products available across the country and Online (US) at Glutenfree.com.
“The gluten-free industry is exploding right now,” said Jenny Bosking, President of TastesLikeRealFood.com. “In October 2008 Nutrition Business Journal reported gluten-free foods as the fastest growing grocery category, with sales up more than 18% per year. Packaged Facts data show that sales hit nearly $700 million in 2006. Datamonitor reports that more than 1,300 new gluten-free food and beverage products were launched in the United States in 2007, up from 944 new products in 2006. And, as of September 2008, 987 new gluten-free products had been rolled out in the United States.”

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TastesLikeRealFood.com is the exclusive North American distributor of Toro™, Norway’s #1 brand of gluten-free baking mixes. Headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, their mission is to help people living with celiac disease and gluten-sensitivity enjoy meals again. Toro™ is made by Rieber & Son, a leading Norwegian food company with 30 years of experience in the development of unique, better-tasting gluten-free foods, and is a world leader in gluten-free food science. www.TastesLikeRealFood.com

Headquartered in Auburn, WA, the mission of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America® is to provide support to persons with gluten intolerances, including celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and other gluten sensitivities, in order to live healthy lives. www.Gluten.net