Warburtons invests £2.5m in dedicated gluten-free plant in Newburn
The new lines, launching in mid-January, include 400g white and brown loaves (RSP £2.49), 600g white and brown loaves (£2.89), white and brown sub rolls (£1.99, three-pack), teacakes (£2.19, four-pack) and crumpets (£2.19, four-pack).
A spokeswoman told FoodManufacture.co.uk: "The new dedicated gluten-free bakery boasts the standard bread-making equipment such as mixers, a prover, an oven-cooler and a packaging facility. Alongside this there is also a raw material store and despatch. The site also includes new pieces such as depositing equipment."
She added: "During the initial start up nine employees will be recruited, however we are looking to expand this to a team of 20 within the first six- months."
Commercial development director Jason Uttley added: “We received a large number of calls from consumers asking us for a gluten-free Warburtons product.
“As well as being an exciting diversification for the brand, the launch of the gluten-free range offers a great opportunity to bring the Warburtons brand to new consumers.”
The products will go head to head with the Genius gluten-free brand, which is now worth £10m at retail level according to manufacturer United Central Bakeries.
