Dr Schär Foodservice, manufacturer of high quality gluten free foods, is calling for contract caterers and the wider hospitality industry to recognise the importance of offering a varied and safe gluten free menu.
More than 1 in 20 customers could benefit from gluten free options, but despite this, many out of home outlets do not have systems in place to offer a comprehensive gluten free menu and in some cases, list no options at all.
Comprehensive gluten free range becomes available
Michelle Shinn, Senior Brand Manager of Dr Schär Foodservice is determined to make it easier for the hospitality industry to serve this customer base and is delighted to announce multiple listings with 3663. She remarks: “This is the first time that such a comprehensive gluten free range will be available from one wholesaler. The products, listed under the DS-gluten free brand, cover all basics such as bread, pasta, biscuits and convenient frozen foods including Shortcrust Pastry, Yorkshire Puddings and a Stonebaked Pizza Base, providing operators with a one stop shop to fulfil their gluten free foodservice requirements.
Interest from customers – schools, hotels, fitness clubs…
Catherine Hinchcliff, Head of Customer Marketing at 3663 states: “We are delighted to be working with Dr Schär, as part of wider activity we are launching this Autumn to support customers who are looking for greater gluten free choices. We have had considerable interest from customers right across the board – schools, hotels, health and fitness clubs, universities and care homes – to expand our range in this area, and we have been really impressed by the Dr Schär range and the Company’s credentials.”
Foodservice needs to keep up with growing demand
“Following a gluten free diet is not a lifestyle choice for sufferers of coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity,” adds Michelle. “There are serious consequences for people who are unknowingly exposed to gluten in their food – just a trace can make sufferers unwell. It’s important that the foodservice industry keeps up with growing demand and recognises the business opportunity available to them by becoming a gluten free friendly establishment.
“Caterers are encouraged to contact Dr Schär Foodservice directly for advice and support to help them ensure cross contamination doesn’t occur.”
Gluten free diners want to eat out
Research by Dr Schär Foodservice has shown that the vast majority of sufferers (80%) say following a gluten free diet makes them feel different:
- 43% feel like they are missing out
- 41% feel frustrated
- 28% feel self-conscious
Michelle Shinn comments: “It’s now easier than ever for hospitality businesses to stock up on ingredients to prepare varied gluten free menus as well as ready-made solutions such as individual servings. Gluten free diners want to eat out and are willing to go out of their way with their friends and family to establishments where they feel confident that they will be offered high quality, great tasting food that is 100% safe to eat.”
Dr Schär gluten free foodservice range
The DS-gluten free Foodservice range includes a wide selection of bread and roll products to make it easy to prepare toast, sandwiches or meal accompaniments. For Italian restaurateurs, gluten free dough balls, pizza bases and a selection of pasta shapes are suitable for adding your own toppings, sauces and flavours. Unique to DS-gluten free is the great tasting Shortcrust Pastry and frozen Yorkshire puddings. The business has also developed portion pack biscuits, crackers and muesli with the hotel/café market in mind and a host of NPD innovations are planned for 2014.
Cross contamination
“Flare ups such as headaches and stomach pains can be triggered by just a tiny amount of gluten,” concludes Michelle. “Dr Schär Foodservice is taking the lead in helping catering operators take proactive action to improve their catering processes to eliminate the risk of cross contamination in food preparation and broaden the gluten free offering. Chefs must make it a priority to equip their teams with the knowledge, confidence and the ingredients to prepare high quality gluten free meals safely.”
For further information and advice download the Coeliac UK catering accreditation pack
And visit www.drschaer-foodservice.com. For stockist enquiries please contact Steve Cookson on 01925 865 100 or foodservice.uk@drschaer.com. Selected DS-gluten free products will be available from leading foodservice wholesaler, 3663 from August this year.
About Dr Schär Foodservice
Dr Schär provides a wide range of high quality and tasty gluten-free products to the foodservice industry. All products are geared towards the particular needs of this industry. They are accompanied by specific communication measures to promote knowledge about coeliac disease in the foodservice hospitality industry. This creates growth opportunities for businesses that are interested in catering to this market.
The foodservice initiative from Dr Schär offers the hospitality industry and wholesale retailers the opportunity to be part of a growing market segment and also the chance to seriously consider their social responsibility towards people with special nutritional needs.
About 3663
3663 is one of the UK’s leading foodservice wholesale distributors offering a broad range of services tailored to the appropriate customer channels. The 3663 service offering covers the full range of key product categories – grocery, frozen, fresh & chilled and non-food items to approximately 60,000 customers.
3663 has also recently launched its exclusive new ordering app which lets customers browse the full 3663 product range and shop online via an iPhone®, iPad® or iPad touch®. The new 3663 app is available to download free from the App Store™ or find out more at www.3663.co.uk.