Aviko, one of the largest potato processors worldwide, is supporting caterers during Celiac Awareness Week (9th – 15th May 2016) with the launch of its ‘top tips’ booklet, a guide to catering for gluten-free and celiac customers out-of-home.
With 73% of people feeling that the out-of-home sector doesn’t do enough to cater for gluten intolerance, according to a survey by Aviko/Toluna, the potato products supplier is encouraging operators to carefully consider their gluten-free menus in order to avoid putting their customers at risk.
Mohammed Essa, Aviko General Manager, explains: “It’s essential that operators are clear on the dangers of serving food containing gluten to celiac sufferers. For example, almost 60% of people don’t realize that not all chips are gluten-free, meaning operators could run the risk of mistakenly serving gluten to those with an intolerance.
The ‘Top Tips for Gluten-Free Out-Of-Home’ booklet provides facts, hints and product information to help operators become true “Gluten-Free Heroes.” It also includes celiac friendly recipes such as the Indian-inspired Aloo Palak and traditional British Cider Battered Fish and Chips, created with respected chef and representative of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Daniel Ayton.
Mohammed continues: “Our dedicated gluten-free factory means there is no risk of contamination before the range enters kitchens, giving caterers peace of mind and making it easier to include gluten-free options on menus. Importantly, our products appeal to both celiac sufferers and non-sufferers alike, which is essential considering celiac 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. With 59% of people wanting to see more gluten-free options on menus and 29% of people failing to return to a restaurant that doesn’t offer enough, there is a clear profit opportunity available to operators that cater for this demand.”
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.
