Increasing numbers of people are unable to tolerate gluten in their food. Teff, Quinoa and Amaranth are gluten-free grains that can be grown in the Netherlands. Because they are not only gluten-free but also healthy and authentic, they can appeal to a wider group of consumers. One disadvantage is that they still have low yields per hectare, resulting in a high price.
This was the conclusion of an LEI study into the opportunities for gluten-free grain production and a gluten-free chain. More knowledge must be developed about the cultivation of these grains, and breeding and selection should result in larger kernels and higher yields. Regarding the chain, the study concluded that the gluten-free market is a niche market. Expanding the market to include a wider group of consumers must take place outside this niche market; this expansion can be successful if good information about the grains is provided to all parties and if supply and demand can be properly coordinated.