Supervalu Announced As Partners For The Gluten Free Living Show

• Chef Kevin Dundon to provide gluten free cooking demonstrations at the show·   ‘Tasty Experience’ the theme for those looking to go gluten free

  The Coeliac Society of Ireland has announced that next month’s flagship Gluten Free Living Show is being staged in association with SuperValu, a long-time supporter of the society and those who suffer from coeliac disease in Ireland.

  The Gluten Free Living Show, which that takes place at the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin on 6th October, is a one-stop shop for everyone suffering from coeliac disease or living a gluten free lifestyle. Dozens of exhibitors will showcase hundreds of products at the show.

  In addition, SuperValu Cooking Ambassador Kevin Dundon will demonstrate several recipes and create delicious meals using gluten free products available on the shelves of SuperValu local stores today.

A local SuperValu store spokesman said: “We know how important it is to have a wide range of gluten free products on our shelves – it’s vital for the health and wellbeing of people who have coeliac disease. Our store is committed to ensuring that local shoppers continue to have the best choice of great value, quality gluten free products to choose from.”  

There will also be talks from leading medics, a Dietetic Speed Clinic plus a Kids Cook Academy providing practical advice to those living gluten free. There are an estimated 47,500 coeliac disease sufferers in Ireland with many still undiagnosed. It can take up to ten years to receive an official diagnosis as symptoms can be wide-ranging and are often confused for other conditions. Symptoms include; stomach pains, constipation, weight loss and migraine. Symptoms can be debilitating however, the longer-term issues associated with untreated coeliac disease are more serious and can include; anaemia, osteoporosis and fertility issues. The only treatment is a strict gluten free diet.

Gill Brennan, chief executive of the Coeliac Society of Ireland, said: “This year’s Gluten Free Living Show is going to be bigger and better than ever. Our line-up of exhibitors has grown and we now have more than 25 suppliers showcasing hundreds of gluten free products. There will also be a host of cooking demonstrations, including from Kevin Dundon. Uniquely in Ireland, the show will have talks from doctors and dieticians on how to flourish while enjoying a gluten free lifestyle.

“SuperValu have been a strong supporter of those with coeliac disease for many years. They understand the impact the disease has on thousands of people throughout Ireland and provide a broad range of Free From produce in their supermarkets that are invaluable to all those who are gluten intolerant.”

According to Bord Bia research, 20% of Irish people shop for gluten free food regularly, with the retail market valued at €66m and experiencing double digit growth each year.

The Coeliac Society of Ireland are encouraging those seeking a better understanding of coeliac disease and living a gluten free lifestyle to come and experience the theme of the show: ‘A tasty experience’.

Kevin Dundon said: “I am delighted to be taking part in the Gluten Free Living Show. There are a huge number of nutritious and delicious meals that can be made while avoiding gluten completely – I’ll be demonstrating some of the best. There’s no need for food to be bland when you go gluten free.”

SuperValu have 223 stores throughout Ireland and supply gluten free produce in all of them. Many stores have dedicated sections and shelf space for gluten free produce.

Paddy Curran, SuperValu Health & Wellness Trading Manager, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Coeliac Society of Ireland and The Gluten Free Living Show 2018. SuperValu understands the significance and importance of Free From products from both a lifestyle and medical perspective. Our customers needed products that help them control this disease and we are commitment to supporting them by growing the range of gluten free produce that we stock.”

The Gluten Free Living Show runs from 11am to 4.30pm on 6th October. The first 400 visitors to the show will receive SuperValu goodie bags. For more information on the event and the Coeliac Society of Ireland, please visit www.coeliac.ie or follow them on twitter and Facebook.