Almondy Combats Fears Surrounding Free-From Food

Swedish bakery Almondy is keen to help caterers combat consumer perceptions surrounding free-from foods after new research found that some 98% of diagnosed Coeliacs believe products are too expensive and 84% believe there is a lack of choice.

The study, carried out by Cambridge Market Research in November last year, surveyed 476 diagnosed Coeliacs and over 200 “lifestylers” – consumers who buy free-from products out of choice. As well as highlighting a limited availability of free-from drinks, desserts, cereal and prepared meals, the research also revealed that more than half of consumers (57%) believe free-from food to be processed.

As the number one gluten-free frozen dessert brand in the UK^, Almondy is well placed to help caterers overcome these woes by offering a wide choice of indulgent cakes which are naturally gluten-free and made in a certified gluten-free bakery. Topped with well-loved confectionary brands, the range includes NEW Cadbury Gluten-Free Chocolate & Almond Cake, NEW Philadelphia Gluten-Free Almond Layered Lemon Cheesecake, Almondy Cake with Toblerone, Almondy Cake with Daim, as well as a Caramel & Peanuts variety.

Andrew Ely, Managing Director, Almondy, comments: “It’s clear from this study, as well as research we have carried out ourselves, that demand for free-from food remains high. What’s particularly interesting to hear from this latest survey is that one of the categories for which consumers are demanding more choice in is desserts. This mirrors our own research* which revealed nearly one third of diners want more gluten-free desserts when dining out – 60% of whom would like to see between three and five options available.”

Caterers should therefore be looking to broaden the range of gluten-free desserts available to customers, but in doing so, must look for quality products.

Andrew adds: “While this latest research reveals consumers perceive free-from food to be too expensive, our research shows that consumers would pay more for a high quality gluten-free dessert, one third of which say they would be willing to pay £1 extra. Adding Almondy to the menu will not only give customers more choice, but by tying in with superbrands such as Cadbury and Philadelphia diners have the added reassurance of well-known and trusted brands and that’s what will help caterers achieve a price premium.”

Caterers are also being urged to highlight the fact that Almondy’s dessert range is naturally gluten-free in light of the view that many consumers believe free-from food is processed.

“It’s another unique selling point that caterers can flag up on menus to help increase sales,” adds Andrew.

Almondy’s dedicated foodservice range comes frozen and pre-proportioned into 12 slices to avoid waste, any unwanted slices can be stored in the chiller. Baked in Sweden using only the finest natural ingredients, Almondy is enjoyed in more than 45 countries, by 106 million people every year globally. The Swedish cakes are available in 3663, Brakes and all good frozen food wholesalers.
*Toluna April 2015 ^ The Grocer December 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALMONDY CALL 01604 858 522
OR VISIT www.almondy.com/en