Coeliac Awareness Week approaching
The week, which is aimed at raising operator and consumer awareness of coeliac disease and encouraging operators to experiment with gluten-free menu options, takes place from 12 – 18 May.
Norma McGough, of Coeliac UK, said: “To be able to offer gluten-free choices on a pub menu is a massive bonus. We are seeing trends whereby there is real interest in the sector and this is something we want to cultivate.
“It’s about making sure you know your ingredients, making sure you have a menu that has gluten free options, because people who suffer from the disease can find eating out really limiting.”
Recent research by UK market specialists Mintel reported that the UK free from market is continuing to see impressive growth and growing awareness.
The gluten-free and free from market has doubled its size over the last five year. Its value is estimated at roughly £365million, with Mintel predicting it to double again between now and 2019.
This growth has been attributed to a boom in awareness, the emergence of the free-from diet as a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity and an influx of new products in the category.
Coeliac UK currently offers gluten-free training and accreditation for caterers wanting to improve their offer.
Gluten free beer
Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropubs Newcomer of the Year the Truscott Arms, Maida Vale, is holding a gluten-free beer tasting on Wednesday 13 May.
Visitors will be encouraged to taste a selection of 40 different gluten-free beers, with Londonist writer Kim McGowan, beer sommelier Jonny Tyson and gluten-free beer specialist Sue Cane hosting the event.
The Truscott will be serving gluten-free bar snacks including Scotch eggs and fish and chips to accompany the beers.
*For more ideas on catering for gluten-free customers visit the Free From Food/Ingredients show in Barcelona on 4 and 5 June or the Allergy and Free From Show at Olympia, London from 3 to 5 July 2015 or at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool on 7 to 8 November 2015.
