Demand for free-from rises

The number of consumers being correctly diagnosed with severe gluten intolerances is rising according to Coeliac UK. 

Despite the growing market for gluten-free products, many convenience stores face challenges in meeting this demand, according to the charity’s director of policy, research and campaigns, Norma McGough. “It’s the same issues faced by larger retailers – knowing what to range and waste.”

Explaining how store owners can meet these challenges, McGough stated: “Consumers want convenience stores to stock four key products – fresh bread, pasta, a food-to-go product and a breakfast cereal.”

The director added that stores that struggle to sell fresh gluten-free bread before its use-by date can substitute it with longer-life vacuum-packed gluten-free bread products.

Tips from retailers included using stickers on shelves to denote gluten-free products.