Dearth of high-protein wheat sparking record premiums

Chicago

FOOD aficionados may be scrambling for ingredients that are gluten free, but in the wheat market, traders can't get enough of the stuff.

Gluten is the element that gives dough its strength and stretch - making it a key component in bagels, pizza crust and speciality breads. It's found in greater abundance in protein-rich wheat. While global grain stockpiles have never been higher, recent harvests have favoured quantity above quality. Now, a dearth of high-protein crops is sparking record premiums.