SuperValu launches gluten-free range

The first supermarket in Ireland to launch a designated in-store gluten-free bakery and food production facility was launched in Clonakilty, Co Cork, yesterday

Rosanna Davison, a former Miss World and a coeliac, and Coeliac Society of Ireland chairwoman Mary Twohig officially opened the €500,000 facility at Scally’s SuperValu.

The investment, which will create five jobs at the store, followed market research which highlighted the lack of choice for coeliacs and the high cost of gluten-free products.

Eugene Scally, owner of Scally’s SuperValu, said one in 100 people in Ireland are thought to have coeliac disease, with many as yet undiagnosed. He said the research showed that a coeliac’s basket of goods is 87% more expensive than a non-coeliac basket.

“We wanted to offer customers a diverse gluten-free range that was keenly priced and of exceptional quality,” said Mr Scully.

“Our customers’ feedback has been instrumental in developing the range and the response from shoppers has been extremely positive.”

Ms Twohig said it is important for coeliacs that they can access a range of products that are affordable and good quality.

“With 15% of our membership being from Cork, it is fantastic to see local businesses, and a national retailer, rising to meet the needs of people whose only medicine is a gluten-free diet,” she said.

‘Clonakilty Gluten Free Cuisine’ range consists of a selection of almost 30 products, prepared in a separate bakery and kitchen and independently tested and certified for coeliacs.”

The 100% gluten-free products will be available at SuperValu Clonakilty and SuperValu Blackrock in Cork City, with future expansion plans expected.

Last year, SuperValu’s FreeFrom range, which consists of more than 300 gluten and dairy-free products, was launched and is available in the group’s 222 stores nationwide.