Writing in the Technomic blog, Darren Ristano comments that at UK chain and independent pubs and restaurants tracked in Technomic’s Menu Monitor database, the number of dishes described as “gluten-free” has increased by more than 22% in the year from Q1 2013 to Q1 2014.
Gluten-free continues to increase within manufactured foods, too. For example, Tesco now stocks many Udi gluten-free foods.
And both Starbucks and Costa Coffee now are stocking and supplying gluten-free wraps from Warburtons.
UK consumers suffering from coeliac disease have been diagnosed and increased fourfold in the last 20 or so years, and there are also now considerable numbers of people who have decided to avoid gluten out of choice not necessity.
Add the friends and relatives to these numbers, and pub and restaurant operators would be well advised to examine carefully how best they can serve this vocal, hungry and growing sector.
To read the full blog ‘Gluten-Free Going Strong at Restaurants, Retail’ click here