Several leading UK food brands have teamed to form the Gluten Free Industry Association (GFIA) to support companies involved in the manufacture and trade of gluten free products.
GFIA founding members are many leading UK food brands, including Bells of Lazonby, BFree Foods, Delicious Alchemy, Dr Schar, Genius Foods, Mrs Crimbles, Nairns Oatcakes, Northumbrian Fine Foods, and Warburtons.
The Association’s priorities for 2017 include the development of best practice guidelines on ingredient sourcing and gluten-testing methodology to deliver the highest quality of products to consumers.
According to reports, GFIA has no plans to create its own certification program since the national charity Coeliac UK already has a well-respected scheme with an identifiable logo used on product packaging.
The GFIA is a full member Association of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and FDF will provide the secretariat for the Association.
Simon Wright, Founder of OF+ Consulting and GFIA Chair, said: “We are very pleased to be launching the Gluten Free Industry Association. The GFIA provides a single point of contact for this fast-changing sector whilst encouraging the major suppliers to come together and share best practice to deliver the high quality their consumers expect.”
Geraldine Albon, Associations and Groups Manager of Food and Drink Federation, added: “Through its network of associations and groups, FDF has a long history of supporting sector groups to develop best practice, share intelligence and provide targeted support. We’re pleased to welcome GFIA onboard.”
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK, commented: “As the national charity for people with coeliac disease, it’s great to see this latest step in the maturation of the gluten free sector. A new association devoted to gluten free manufacturing will help the industry work together to tackle consistency and safety for the benefit of consumers and keep growing this vibrant new market. We look forward to working with the GFIA to ensure the needs of people with coeliac disease continue to be met.”
