Growing consumer attention for natural ingredients, controlled supply chains, and functional foods is pushing Germinal Bio to further strengthen its presence in oats, today one of the most dynamic segments in the health food industry. The company is introducing new products to the market. Certified gluten-free whole oat flakes, the result of a highly controlled supply chain, supported by over 5.000 laboratory analyses which guarantee the absence of contamination from the field to the finished product.
Oats already represent around 15% of the Germinal Bio range and continue to record robust growth: oat-based biscuits and shortbread biscuits are consistently placed in the top 10 of the range, with sales performances increasing by +15% in 2024 (YTD)"The niche market is becoming a strategic segment for the entire food and beverage industry. Oats are now a key ingredient in snacks, bars, baked goods, and beverages, driven by their versatility and health claims," says Antonio Calapà, Sales Manager at Germinal Bio.
Demand is also growing at a national level. According to YouGov, 3,3 million Italian families They purchase oats, with an average frequency of 2,4 purchases and over 1,3 kg of product per year. This trend is supported by the push for plant-based diets, less processed products, and ingredients with clear nutritional benefits: oats are rich in protein, have a low glycemic index, and are known for their high fiber and beta-glucan content.
Supply chain traceability therefore becomes a competitive advantage. Germinal Bio selects plots that have undergone a three-year "detoxification" period to prevent contamination, a crucial aspect given that oats, while naturally gluten-free, can be exposed to risks during production. "To be declared gluten-free, products must contain less than 20 ppm: ensuring this standard requires rigorous processes," Calapà reiterates.
This is where the certified supply chain was born which led to the development of the new organic wholemeal flakes, recognized as gluten-free by AIC and included in the register of products available for distribution by the National Health Service. This innovation expands an already established line that includes biscuits, oat-almond granola, and oat-chocolate granola.
“The oat market is undergoing a real revolution,” Calapà concludes, “becoming a universe rich in flavor, innovation, and opportunity, combining health needs with a focus on natural and ethical ingredients.” The Germinal Group, active in the organic sector for over 40 years, closes 2024 with 61 million euros in turnover and three production sites dedicated to bakery, fresh dishes and pasta, with an annual production of 50.000 tons.
