A collaboration between J.O.Sims and Country Style Foods resulting in the development of a gluten free loaf for a leading multiple supermarket, has emphasised the versatility of California Prunes and their relevance to current healthy eating trends.
California Prune puree is being included (to add colour and improve texture) in a Seeded Farmhouse in-store baked gluten-free loaf, as part of Sainsbury’s Free From range, to capitalise on the soaring sales of gluten-free foods. The bread will be on sale within the UK’s number 2 retailer, in 186 stores. With the Gluten Free Industry Association (GFIA) citing a value of £585.6m (26.7% increase on the previous year) for annual free-from sales, and gluten-free products accounting for nearly 60% of the category, the inclusion of California Prunes in such a product once again supports the commercial appeal of this quality ingredient.
California Prunes European Marketing Director, Esther Ritson-Elliott comments, “We remain committed to driving awareness of the tremendous potential for California Prunes as a viable, healthy, nutritious ingredient eminently suited to the commercial baking sector. Our trade marketing continues to focus on reaching out not just to bakers but also to top chefs, chocolatiers and food processors, whose interest in ‘clean-label’ and healthy ingredients is leading to a more contemporary view of prunes. This is culminating in the creation of ‘on trend’ offerings – such as a gluten free loaf - not previously available to the consumer.”