Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease, is hosting its first gluten-free networking event for food industry professionals who wish to benefit from the growing gluten-free market.
The event is on Tuesday 14 June at the British Motor Museum (BMM), Warwickshire. The BMM was the first conference venue to gain gluten-free accreditation from Coeliac UK for its catering.
Delegates will hear from industry specialists during an afternoon of interactive workshops, and gain valuable insights from those organisations which already provide gluten-free offerings.
Speakers include the Food Standards Agency, Mintel, Marks & Spencer, and Nestlé. In addition, experts from Coeliac UK will provide updates for the industry, and details on the gluten-free consultation services and accreditation schemes provided by the charity, which has a unique insight into the needs of those following a gluten-free diet.
The charity estimated that the catering industry was missing out on £100m a year from people requiring a gluten-free diet, and those they eat out with. According to Mintel, the UK Free From market is currently valued at £365m and is forecast to grow by 50% by 2019. The market analyst also said the gluten-free market was worth an estimated £210m.
Essential insight
Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Coeliac UK, who is chairing the morning panel discussion at the event, said: “The aim is to allow manufacturers, retailers and the catering sector to gain essential insight from those companies that have already embraced a gluten-free offering, and also facilitate opportunities for them to work together to help improve consumer experiences.
“The demand for new products across the retail sector and catering establishments where people can enjoy a wide range of gluten-free menu options will only increase, and we hope that this event will encourage debate and valuable information for all sectors.”
Places are limited, to see the agenda and to book online go to: https://www.coeliac.org.uk/forms/staying-ahead-of-the-game/
Delegate day rate is £99 + VAT and includes all refreshments, parking and entry into the museum.
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