AOECS successfully launched the first Gluten-Free Marketplace in Brussels

As part of the 37th AOECS Annual Conference, the organisation hosted its first-ever Gluten-Free Marketplace in Brussels, bringing together ten innovative gluten-free brands and local artisanal producers. The event enabled delegates from over 40 countries to discover new products, sample high-quality foods, and engage directly with companies driving innovation in the gluten-free sector.

An industry with innovation and excellence at its heart

All participating brands shared a clear commitment to quality and safety. Whether large manufacturers or small-scale producers, they highlighted the importance of ongoing research and development to improve taste, texture, and nutritional value. For many, innovation is not merely a response to consumer demand; it is embedded in their identity. Several companies were founded out of frustration with the limited range of high-quality gluten-free options and continue to invest heavily in product development.

Some producers have been active for over two decades, continually refining recipes and manufacturing processes. However, innovation comes at a price: for smaller producers, bringing a new product to market can take five years or more, demonstrating their dedication and service-driven approach to meeting coeliac consumers' needs.

A shared sentiment among all featured brands and producers was clear: “We focus on quality and safety”. A constant drive towards improving flavour and texture through research and development is a defining feature of both established and emerging manufacturers.

A growing and diverse market

From local businesses to global brands with a presence in more than 40 countries, the Marketplace showcased the dynamism and diversity of the gluten-free sector. Participants praised the initiative as a valuable platform for building connections, reaching new clients, learning from peers, and strengthening brand visibility.

The event also highlighted the need for more travel-friendly gluten-free products, addressing key challenges such as packaging, sustainability, availability, and shelf life. These considerations are increasingly relevant as coeliac consumers seek convenience without compromising on safety or quality.

Adding an international dimension, Acelmex – a new AOECS member – presented an exciting range of innovative gluten-free products from across the Atlantic, offering attendees a glimpse into global trends and expanding possibilities.

The success of the Gluten-Free Marketplace reflects AOECS’s commitment to fostering innovation, excellence, and collaboration across the coeliac sector. The organisation looks forward to building on this momentum in future editions.

This year’s featured brands at the AOECS Marketplace included:

If your company is interested in participating in next year’s Annual Conference, please contact: press@aoecs.org

• Choosy & Delicious
• Generous
• KPNI foodie
• L’Alternative
• L’atelier d’Elena
• Schär Gluten Free
• Schnitzer
• So’ Bake It
• Train de Vie
• Turtle
• VA Foods

If your company is interested in participating in next year’s Marketplace at the AOECS Annual Conference, please contact: press@aoecs.org