Expo, the only international expo dedicated to gluten-free products and diet, will take place at Rimini Fiera, Italy on November 14-17.In recent years, the Gluten-Free Expo has been able to attract attention to the needs of the companies involved in this rapidly growing sector and meet the requirements of the European market.
For those with a gluten intolerance, the consequences of consuming a product containing gluten can have very serious consequences.
With a food allergy occurring when the body's immune system believes an ingredient in food - very often a protein - to be a harmful component, it creates a defence mechanism to battle against it.
When the antibodies fight against this 'harmful' ingredient, it causes an allergic reaction to occur.
Coeliac disease is a genetic disorder requiring sufferers to follow a gluten-free diet.
Some people cannot tolerate gluten - the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other related grains - when it comes in contact with the small intestine.
The condition is known as celiac disease.
Symptoms suffered by gluten-intolerant individuals include fatigue, weight gain, skin rashes and lack of concentration.
Leading brands are devising 'free from' brand extensions to meet consumer demand, and profit from the trends in special diets.
With competition being cut-throat between the A-brands and supermarket brands in the area of special diets, supermarkets are now strengthening private-label offerings to challenge the A-brands in terms of quality and value.
Shoppers following such diets are now presented with a broad selection of own-brand products to suit their dietary requirements when browsing the supermarket shelves.
The third edition of the Gluten-Free Expo will move location to Rimini Fiera this November and is a welcome date on the calendar for manufacturers and supermarkets.
The agreement with Rimini Fiera is based on sharing a project and co-operation activity aimed at the international expansion of the Gluten-Free Expo, said Juri Piceni of the Gluten-Free Expo.
He added that it is “the only European expo dedicated exclusively to this market”.
The Gluten-Free Expo is "a product that has great value for its business history and its very topical content", said Rimini Fiera chairman Lorenzo Cagnoni, adding that the event fits perfectly into the format of the “food & beverage expo hub”.
