Aviko Helps Operators Become Gluten Free Heroes

Aviko is supporting caterers during Coeliac Awareness Week (9^th – 15^th May 2016) and beyond with the launch of its ‘top tips’ booklet, a guide to catering for gluten-free and coeliac customers out-of-home.

With 73% of people feeling that the out-of-home sector doesn’t do enough to cater for gluten-intolerances *, the potato products supplier is encouraging operators to carefully consider their gluten-free menus in order to avoid putting their customers at risk.

The ‘Top Tips for Gluten-Free Out-Of-Home’ booklet is bursting with facts, hints and product information to help operators become true Gluten-Free Heroes. It also includes coeliac friendly recipes such as the Indian-inspired Aloo Palak and traditional British Cider Battered Fish and Chips, created with respected chef and National Chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Daniel Ayton.

Mohammed Essa, Aviko General Manager, explains: “It’s essential that operators are clear on the dangers of serving food containing gluten to coeliac sufferers. For example, almost 60% of people don’t realise that not all chips are gluten-free *, meaning operators could run the risk of mistakenly serving gluten to those with an intolerance.

“Our new booklet aims to better equip operators with the information needed to ensure gluten-free dishes are prepared without the risk of contamination, menus are clear when it comes to allergens – something 68% of people don’t feel is currently up to scratch* – and the most suitable products are being used. We’re hoping to help many more operators become Gluten-Free Heroes!”

Aviko’s most popular products, including its Premium Fries range, are produced in a dedicated gluten-free factory – something not all potato product suppliers can guarantee – meaning operators can be confident with their side dishes when it comes to coeliac friendly menus.

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 coeliac sufferers and non-sufferers alike, which is essential considering 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*.

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 has also created a handy video highlighting the key results of research commissioned by Aviko* and details of how the potato specialist can provide support, as well as a range of free downloadable point-of-sale materials to encourage gluten-free diners during Coeliac Awareness Week and throughout the rest of the year. The posters and tent cards will help operators highlight their coealic friendly menu options and encourage diners to try Aviko’s range of sides which are suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising 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, from morning favourites such as Hash Browns and innovative Hash Brown Bites, through to Premium Fries, Mash, Roasties and much more.

*Aviko/Toluna 2015

For more product information on Aviko’s extensive range call 0800 633 5611 or visit www.aviko.co.uk

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