The ‘free-from’ category saw more than half of consumers purchase a gluten-free item during the first three months of 2017 and, as a result, Bidfood has introduced more than 40 gluten-free products to its festive range.
Included are dishes such as Northcoast Seafoods’ smoked salmon and dill naked fishcakes, Premium Selection brie and beetroot chutney tarts in kale pastry, and Everyday Favourites baked winter cheesecake.
Christmas on a stick
Yet, the range does include new dishes for meat eaters too, from ‘Christmas on a stick’ skewers with pork chipolatas, turkey cubes and stuffing balls or a turkey 'cushion' with pork and orange stuffing.
Bidfood campaign controller Gail Bridgeman said: “While the holiday season is a time of indulgence for consumers, we also need to be mindful of different dietary requirements, such as free-from.
“This has been a big focus for us over the past 12 months, which is why we have created the largest selection of gluten-free options to date and have a dedicated section for these items within our Christmas brochure.
“We have worked hard to ensure we offer products for everyone, regardless of allergies, and without compromising on taste.”
Demographics and price points
She emphasised the importance of pubs capitalising on the festive period because it is a time when consumers eat out a lot.
Bridgeman added: “Christmas is arguably the biggest and busiest time of year for pubs and bars. Last year, 72% of consumers ate out during the two-week festive period.
“To ensure that operators are capitalising on this, we have developed this year’s range to cater for all customer demographics and price points.”
The Bidfood Christmas range is available to view on the Bidfood website here.