While bioengineered-free claims are limited on a global basis, representing just over 1% of new product launches, the number is growing and expected to continue to grow in coming years, according to Innova Market Insights.
This compares with 13% of launches during the past year that were marketed as additive-free or preservative-free, 7% claiming to be natural and 6% touting organic qualities.
Snacks, dairy and bakery were the segments with the most bioengineered-free claims, representing 14.1%, 13.3% and 12.5%, respectively, of global bioengineered-free launches recorded.
“In addition to the compulsory labeling regulations in place in the E.U. since the 1990s, there has also been a more recent move to verify and more easily identify G.M.O.-free food and drinks,” said Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights.
Ms. Williams said Germany and Austria are leading bioengineered-free developments, especially in dairy products.
There also have been a range of U.S. launches marketed as bioengineered-free during the past year, including breakfast smoothies and beverages from Bolthouse Farms, Silk soy milk and Plum Kids organic baby foods products, Amy’s Bowl Meals and Garden of Eatin tortilla chips.
“The demand for G.M.O.-free labeling seems set to continue to grow as a marketing tool globally,” Ms. Williams said. “Even where G.M.O. foods have been labeled, such as in the E.U., there is still apparently demand for easy recognition of G.M.O.-free lines as the use of logos and certification schemes continues to grow.”
