Essex-based Davina Steel Bakery has been awarded SALSA [Safe and Local Supplier Approval] accreditation.

The gluten-free bakery can now supply most retailers, foodservice companies and restaurants, which often require a SALSA or BRC food accreditation.

SALSA approval is granted to suppliers who can demonstrate to an auditor that they can produce safe and legal food and are committed to continually meeting its requirements.

“Applying for SALSA accreditation takes so much hard work, but we gained the accreditation in record time,” said Davina Steel, co-founder of the business.

Davina Steel opened its purpose-built bakery in July 2019 and, in November, secured a deal to supply The Co-op with three gluten-free baking mixes including pizza, scones and garlic & rosemary focaccia.

The products are also available in Sainsbury’s and Ocado.

“Achieving SALSA is a huge boost for our business as it opens up a world of opportunity and means we can now target the larger retailers with our extensive range of high-quality gluten free bakes,” added Steel.

Davina Steel produces a range of gluten-free baked products featuring fruit scones, iced gingerbread bites, biscotti, lemon drizzle cake, crostini (thin twice baked bread pieces) and focaccia rolls, as well as a retail brand of gluten-free baking kits including garlic & rosemary focaccia, onion focaccia, chocolate chip focaccia, white loaf mix, pizza base mix and scone mix.