Both Dietz & Watson and ACME indicate they are taking precautions to prevent gluten from touching any product in the designated deli case by adhering to guidelines to maintain the gluten-free integrity of the products. All gluten-free products will have dedicated slicers separate from the other deli slicers, and deli associates will wear special blue gloves when handling gluten-free products. Shoppers can still purchase items at the regular deli cases with a full array of all traditional offerings available.
“Recently, we have seen an increase in customers who follow gluten-free diets and this partnership with Dietz & Watson is ACME’s latest effort to meet the needs of our customers,” said Dan Sanders, president of ACME. “Our Paoli shoppers in need of gluten-free deli meats can now take advantage of this new deli section without having to compromise taste or quality. This gluten-free deli will allow consumers following a diet free of gluten to shop with more confidence.”
Louis Eni, Dietz & Watson president and CEO, feels the more retailers and suppliers can work together to cater to customers with special needs the better.
“We’re proud of our extensive variety of gluten-free products, which account for almost all of our premium meat delicacies, 100 percent of our artisan cheeses and 100 percent of our condiments,” said Eni. “All but two of our 450 items — Philadelphia Scrapple and Bockwurst — are gluten-free. We have never used extenders or fillers in our products and never will,” Eni added.
One out of every 133 people in the US has Celiac Disease, preventing them from eating wheat or gluten, said Emma Fogt, Dietz & Watson nutrition consultant.
“The new gluten-free deli provides tasty options for those with Celiac Disease and those simply concerned with keeping their diet free of wheat,” said Fogt.
