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➜ NEW OWNERS GLUTEN-FREE BRANDS Tech company introduces CHANGE HANDS MixNEWS, TIPS, REVIEWS, ADVICEit AND up MORE portable gluten sensor Gluten-free Glutino and Udi’s brands have been purchased by the mainstream company that makes Log San Francisco-based tech company, chief executive offi cer and co-founder Cabin syrup, Duncan Hines cakes 6SensorLabs, has developed a por- of the company. “People who have celiac mixes and Vlasic pickles. table gluten sensor. The device, called disease or any dietary restrictions are very In November New Jersey-based Nima, is designed to allow users to well trained to be skeptical and critical and Pinnacle Foods announced the Atest a sample of food for the presence of 20 do their due diligence. And we don’t want acquisition of Boulder Brands for $975 parts per million or more of gluten. anyone to change that behavior. What we’re million. Boulder Brands, which added Users pop a sample of food into a dispos- doing is just providing another supplement, to its gluten-free product portfolio able capsule, screw on the cap, place the another data layer, to work with before you through the purchases of Glutino in capsule into the device, then wait about two make a decision about eating.” 2011, Udi’s in 2012, and EVOL in 2013, minutes. A smiling or frowning face reveals Yates was an MBA candidate at MIT’s Sloan had been struggling fi nancially, making whether the sample in question meets the School of Management when she fi rst started it a takeover target for a larger, more less than 20 ppm standard the Food and thinking about developing the sensor. But a diverse company. This is the second Drug Administration has set for gluten-free risotto ball is what launched the idea. time Udi’s has been sold in three years. labeling of packaged food. A free Nima app “I was at a wedding without the snack Pinnacle Foods is beefi ng up its stake for smartphones will allow users to share pack I typically tote along, and when I ap- in the health-and-wellness segment, their fi ndings and search for other users’ proached a waitress to fi nd out if the hors currently headlined by its Birds Eye reported results. d’oeuvres on her tray were gluten free, she vegetables and meat-free Gardein brands. A proprietary immunoassay detects the asked, ‘Well how allergic are you?’” says The company’s interest in the segment gluten content of any kind of food, according Yates, who follows the gluten-free diet. “I is mirrored by several of its competitors. to the company, which is seeking third-party was so tired of that question. I was hungry, Last year, for example, General Mills validation for the device. Prior to the sensor’s cranky and fed up with always having to spent $820 million to acquire natural- debut, the company is also comparing its test explain myself.” foods company Annie’s. Hormel paid results of samples of packaged and restaurant Conveniently she also happened to be stand- $775 million to take over Applegate, an food to results from samples of the same ing next to a friend with a Ph.D. in chemical organic and natural meats purveyor. food being tested by established companies engineering. She asked him how hard it would “Make no mistake, [gluten free] is using validated methods. be to test food for gluten. “He said it would be not a fad,” said Pinnacle Chief Executive The device, which is expected to be diffi cult—but do-able,’” she says. Offi cer Bob Gamgort after the deal was American Girl Bistros embrace gf options released in mid-2016, sells for about $200, Learn more at nimasensor.com. announced. “This is a sustainable trend and a 12-pack of the required one-time-use —Jessica Press that’s driven by a real consumer need.” merican Girl stores are synonymous nies including Gluten Free Nation, Udi’s restaurants. While there aren’t any nuts on capsules is priced at about $60. Time magazine Pinnacle plans on taking advantage with dolls and accessories created in Gluten Free and Rich’s. “The landscape of the menu, the restaurants are not technically named the sensor one of the best inventions of the fact that Udi’s and Glutino perfect miniature, hair salon treat- gluten-free products is constantly evolv- a nut-free environment because they do of 2015. The company is developing versions are dedicated gluten-free brands. ments and excited children trailed ing, and we work with our distributors and serve products that are produced in facilities to test for other allergens as well. “Consumers who are looking for gluten- Aby exhausted parents or grandparents. manufacturers directly to be current on the that contain nuts or use shared equipment. Once the device enters the market, con- free products trust dedicated gluten-free But dining is also part of the experience, trends,” says Engel. After the shopping trip in the American sumers will have to fi gure out whether its brands more than they do a variant and the American Girl Bistro includes a When a gluten-free order is requested, Girl store, the bistro serves as an oasis, technology is practical, especially in one of of an existing brand because they are variety of gluten-free options. Pizza, pasta, a manager comes to the table to go over offering children and their guests a spot to the trickier areas of being gluten free, din- afraid that there might be some cross chicken fi ngers, spaghetti, macaroni and the guest’s needs before communicating the relax and refuel or celebrate a birthday or ing out. The company suggests asking res- contamination,” Gamgort said. cheese, fries, cake and more are available in order directly to the kitchen. The chef, who other special occasion. Visitors’ dolls get a taurants for samples before ordering a meal Though he did not identify specifi c gluten-free versions. Restaurant teams work puts on clean gloves, has been trained to prominent seat at the table, complete with a and using results to determine what might examples, Gamgort anticipates that Udi’s individually with each guest to craft a meal use dedicated utensils, plates and cookware mini place setting. The menu, which rotates be safe. It remains to be seen how effec- will continue its product innovation even that meets dietary needs. The bistros serve when preparing the meal. Items including three to four times a year, offers tea service, tive this approach will actually be and under new ownership. Existing products brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. French fries and chicken fi ngers are baked to starters, main course and desserts served whether restaurants will cooperate. may also see improvements. American Girl bistros can also accom- minimize the risk for cross contact. in precious dishes, such as fl ower pots com- And Nima can only test the sample in Gamgort commented that the modate allergies to eggs and dairy and offer Dessert, one of the best items on the plete with plastic fl owers each doll can hold. question, which may not refl ect the company plans on retaining Boulder vegan and vegetarian meals. Joshua Engel, menu, is always available for gluten-free Reservations are highly recommended, gluten content of your whole meal. Brands’ existing headquarters in American Girl’s regional manager of restau- diners, and the bistros don’t just offer ice and reservation agents will inquire about For now the best defense against Colorado to maintain continuity of the rants, estimates American Girl bistros serve cream. For example gluten-free lemon food allergies/intolerance while booking. The accidentally ingesting gluten re- business, describing the area as a “hotbed between 350 and 400 gluten-free meals per pound cake is available daily at the Alpharet- menu’s disclaimer reminds guests to inform mains doing your homework. of on-trend food start-up.” Both Udi’s and week across all 25 locations. More store ta, Georgia, location. their server if anyone in their party has a “We intend Nima as another EVOL were founded in the Boulder area. openings are in the planning stages. In 2003 American Girl removed nuts from food allergy. You can fi nd more information at tool—not a replacement for The deal was fi nalized in mid-January. American Girl gets its gluten- and its menus to provide a level of comfort to americangirl.com/retailinfo/experience-dining. anything that people are doing —Michael Savett allergen-free products from compa- families who might not otherwise dine in its —Jennifer Harris right now,” says Shireen Yates, 6SENSORLABS 6 Gluten-Free Living March/April 2016 www.glutenfreeliving.com 7.

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