New research has revealed that almost 60% of people don’t realise that not all chips are gluten-free, meaning operators could be inadvertently serving gluten to coeliacs.*
With a massive 70% of people opting for chips as their preferred gluten-free side out-of-home*, Aviko is urging caterers to take a second look at their potato sides and the gluten that could potentially be hiding in the 4.6 million daily servings^.
Mohammed Essa, Aviko General Manager, explains: “With the recent allergen legislation coming into effect it’s never been more important for operators to be fully aware of what’s on their menus – though potatoes themselves don’t contain gluten, how and where they are prepared means that operators could be unintentionally serving gluten to customers, which can mean serious side effects for those with an intolerance.”
The latest independent research, commissioned by Aviko, which looked into the demand for gluten-free menu options, highlights the importance of offering coeliac friendly choices – with 59% of people wanting to see more gluten-free options available on menus there is a clear profit opportunity for operators who cater for the 1 in every 100 people diagnosed with coeliac disease**.
Mohammed continues: “We can see from the research that a shocking 73% of people don’t feel that the out-of-home sector does enough to cater for gluten intolerances, putting operators and their customers at risk.
“With 38% choosing gluten-free sides if they were available there’s also the profit opportunity to consider. Operators can be safe in the knowledge that Aviko’s most popular products, including its Premium Fries range, are produced in a dedicated gluten-free factory, offering an easy way to meet the demand for coeliac friendly dishes – something not all potato product suppliers can guarantee.”
The recent survey also found that coeliac disease influences a wide circle of people – not just those that are intolerant but also the 35% going out for dinner with friends or relatives that require gluten-free menu choices and those planning to eat more gluten-free food in future (27%).
In addition, 21% of people would be willing to pay more for a gluten-free meal demonstrating a clear profit opportunity for operators to open up this side of their business. Fail to offer an adequate number of gluten-free options and 29% of people will not return!
When it comes to menus, 61% would like to see more gluten-free mains while 36% think there should be more options on starter and dessert menus. Bar snacks (21%) shouldn’t be forgotten either, nor should children’s menus with 28% of people wanting to see more gluten-free options for young people – particularly important given that the number of children diagnosed with coeliac disease in the UK has almost tripled over the last 20 years**.
In preparation for Coeliac Awareness Week (11th – 17th May 2015), Aviko has created a handy infographic highlighting the key findings of the recent research and the profit opportunities available. The potato products supplier is also supporting caterers with free point-of-sale materials to help highlight their gluten-free offering, available to download at www.aviko.co.uk/downloads/pos.
Mohammed continues: “It’s essential for operators to highlight their coeliac friendly options to increase traffic through the door and maximise profit – especially as 68% of people don’t feel gluten-free options are clear enough on menus. Our free POS – including posters and tent cards – will help caterers shout about their gluten-free menu choices and encourage diners to try our range of sides that, although gluten-free, don’t compromise on taste or quality.”
Aviko’s range of gluten-free sides includes Premium Fries (Superlong, Supercrunch and Sweet Potato Fries), Wedges (Skin On, Skin Off, Crinkle, Tex Mex, Garlic & Herb and Mega), Mashed Potato, Hash Browns, Gratins and Mini Gratins, as well as Roast, Diced, Sauté and Jacket Potatoes.
Dedicated to foodservice and one of the biggest potato processors in the world, Aviko offers a range of chilled and frozen potato specialities made by chefs, for chefs.
*Aviko/Toluna 2015 ** www.coeliac.org.uk ^Potato Council
For more product information on Aviko’s extensive range call 0800 633 5611 or visit www.aviko.co.uk
For everything Aviko visit: www.twitter.com/avikouk
