Kiwis living with Coeliac disease, wheat allergies or gluten intolerance are being encouraged to support local producers of gluten-free food during the 2020 Coeliac Awareness Week.
Running from 14 to 20 June, this year’s theme is Follow Your Gut; to remind people to follow their gut if they’re concerned about Coeliac Disease and to get themselves tested before removing gluten from their diets. Tens of thousands of New Zealanders suffer from the debilitating condition.
Jo Williamson, Founder of Howler Hotdogs and GFTreets, says the inspiration for their gluten-free donuts and hotdog range came from her son being diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder and daughter with food intolerances.
“We very quickly realised how challenging it was for people with gluten allergies when it came to sharing takeaway food with their family and friends. Our gluten-free donuts and hotdogs were initially supplied to takeaways so they could cater for their coeliac customers but we found many people with coeliac disease prefer to cook at home, so GFTreets and Howler Gluten Free Hotdogs are now available in the freezer section of many supermarkets and specialty stores around the country for those who want to have them on hand at home.
“Our factory has its own dedicated gluten-free production space, and demand is growing every year, currently making up 13% of our total business. We use only the best New Zealand ingredients to make tasty, quality options for those with Coeliac Disease and living a gluten-free lifestyle. I often hear from our customers that they rate our donuts as being better than the wheat versions,” says Williamson.
Howler is partnering with Barker’s of Geraldine to inspire the ultimate gluten-free snacks during Coeliac Week. Jillian Stanton, Barker’s Marketing Manager, says they’re passionate about creating products which add flavour and flair to any meal. “We recognise the need for locally made, gluten-free products for our customers. Our gluten-free tomato sauce range is the perfect match for Howler Hotdogs, while our Cacao Nib Raspberry Coulis adds that special touch to their donuts. We’re proud to create gluten-free products – made by Kiwis, for Kiwis,” says Stanton.
Dana Alexander, from Coeliac NZ, says they’re celebrating Kiwi producers who cater for the growing number of gluten-free Kiwis. “We’re proud to support the local companies who are making quality, safe and tasty gluten-free food for Kiwis and carry the Crossed Grain Logo, a symbol nationally and internationally identified by those who need to follow a gluten-free diet,” says Alexander.
About Howler Hotdogs
Pioneers in snack foods, Howler Hotdogs were among the first in New Zealand to cater to the growing number of people with dietary restrictions. Initially offering gluten-free convenience foods, it has expanded its range to include vegan options. Howler Hotdogs is stocked in over 150 supermarkets nationwide. You can find out more at www.howlerhotdogs.co.nz and donut stockists at www.gftreets.co.nz
