Gluten-free menu options launched

The company has released a new ‘Gluten-Free Made Simple’ guide aimed at helping operators cater for coeliac customers and expanded its gluten-free product range in a show of support for conscientious chefs.

Catherine Hinchcliff, head of customer marketing at Bidvest 3663, said: “Although consumers with coeliac disease and those who avoid gluten as a lifestyle choice can choose from a wide range of gluten-free goods in supermarkets, many still feel overlooked when eating out of home.

“Catering for this customer group can pay dividends for operators – our focus has been to make it easy for chefs to develop a variety of on-trend, appetising and safe gluten-free dishes and help them to make the most of this menu opportunity.”

Bidvest’s gluten-free portfolio now contains 330 items, including products designed to help operators tie in their gluten-free options with current eating-out trends such as street food and barbecue-style offerings.

Bidvest’s own-label product packaging has also been updated to make allergen information more easily recognisable by customers.

Not enough options?​

Recent research by YouGov reported that 45% of consumers with food allergies or intolerances were unaware of outlets that catered to their dietary requirements and that due to this they were cautious about choosing to eat out.

Hinchcliff added: “The introduction of the Food Information Regulations means that caterers must be able to provide information about whether any of the 14 major allergens are present in any of the dishes that they are preparing and serving.

Bidvest 3663’s ‘Gluten-Free Made Simple’ guide is available at http://www.3663.co.uk/gluten-free.html​