Two American companies are joining forces to produce products aimed at seafood consumers with Celiac disease and other ailments that demand gluten-free foods.
Seafood distributor Slade Gorton has signed a deal with Elevation Brands, a food manufacturer that markets to consumers with food allergies and special diets, to produce gluten and allergy free seafood products, both for the retail and restaurant markets.
The products will be sold under Slade Gorton’s ICYBAY and Elevation’s Ian’s brands.
"This partnership is a natural fit," said Elevation Brands CEO Chuck Marble. "Each of us brings a proven strength to the table — ours as a manufacturer and pioneer of allergy-friendly foods consumers can trust and theirs as a trusted, long-term provider of seafood and partner to the foodservice world."
In a statement, both companies noted that the gluten-free product industry adds up to billions of U.S. dollars every year, and according to the Celiac Disease Center, 18 million Americans suffer from the disease, and therefore cannot eat wheat, barley and other grains.
Despite these figures, both companies said there is a notable lack of gluten-free products in the foodservice industry, especially with prepared seafood such as fish sticks and breaded fish filets. The new partnership, both companies said, aims to fill that void.
"We share a collective commitment to investing in innovation, health and wellness and increasing consumers' access to the foods they love,” said Kim Gorton, Slade Gorton & Company's President and CEO.
