Market Trends of Pasta and Noodles Industry
Increasing Demand for Gluten-free Pasta and Noodles
Growing demand for gluten-free, clean-label products has boosted the market for gluten-free pasta and noodles. Thus, companies operating in the market studied have taken initiatives to invest in the development of native technologies in order to lure consumers. One of the main reasons for the rise in demand for gluten-free pasta and noodles is the increasing awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and people with celiac disease are unable to digest it properly, leading to damage to the small intestine. As a result, people with celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods, including traditional pasta and noodles.
Another factor driving the demand for gluten-free pasta and noodles is the increasing availability and variety of these products. As more consumers seek out gluten-free options, manufacturers are responding by creating a wider range of gluten-free pasta and noodle products. Alongside rice and corn, players are enriching products with new cereals, such as sorghum and teff, quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat, or legumes such as red lentils, peas, and chickpeas, among others. For instance, in January 2023, The company Jovial Foods, which sells organic and allergen-free food launched stelline pasta to expand its selection of gluten-free pasta.
Asia-Pacific is the Fastest-Growing Market
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market. Regional countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China play a significant role in escalating market growth as preferences for the consumption of pasta/noodles are emerging among urban consumers in these regions. Pasta and noodles are easy to cook, require minimal preparation time, and are available in a wide range of flavors and varieties. This has made them a popular food choice among busy consumers in the region. The market studied has experienced phenomenal success since its inception, with the launch of customized flavor variants that suit regional taste preferences by many global manufacturers, such as Nestle and Campbell.
In terms of packaging, packet instant noodles and pasta is the most dominant category. Also, the cup/bowl instant noodles category and frozen pasta are expected to grow substantially due to enhanced convenience. In terms of size, the single pack is a leading category. Retail players also adopted the bundling strategy to drive the sales of larger units of noodles and pasta. Such strategies have yielded promising results in the region. The demand for high-quality pasta and noodle products rises in line with the expansion of the middle class in the Asia Pacific area. The market for premium pasta and noodles is growing as a result of consumers' increased willingness to pay more for high-quality and premium products.
