24 February 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
The market for Gluten Free products is growing.
An estimated 45,000 Irish people are now coeliac: meaning they must avoid wheat in the diet.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance include fatigue, and weight loss.
To cater for the increasing market many companies have been introducing gluten free foods.
Last Autumn Scally’s SuperValu in Clonakilty opened a Irelands first in-store gluten free bakery.
Separately, in Cork City a company which produces gluten free snacks is reporting increasing sales, and has just confirmed a major investment it has secured €465,000 equity investment which should enable it to break into new markets and launch additional flavours in 2015.
Led by AIB Seed Capital, the equity investment came from Enterprise Ireland, the Boole Investment Syndicate and chartered accountant Brian McGann.
Veronicas Snacks was established in 2012, Veronica’s Snacks markets and distributes lower fat, gluten-free crisps under the ‘Veronica’s’ and ‘Crunchy Creatures’ brands.
The products have been on sale in the UK since last summer, along with all major multiples and symbol groups in the Republic of Ireland.
Veronica’s Snacks is headquartered in Bishopstown, Co Cork and employs three staff.
R&D is in Cork, although the products are not made in Ireland.
Founder Veronica Kenneally believes the brand is already benefiting from the rising demand for healthier snacking alternatives.
0828-GLUTEN-02-veronica-three-parts-in-one.mp3
Cork North Central TD and Minister for Europe Dara Murphy congratulates Veronica Kenneally on her innovation, Veronica is founder of Veronica’s Snacks, a Bishopstown based company specialising in lower-fat, gluten-free snacks. The company recently secured â¬465,000 equity investment for market expansion and product development. Also included is Frank Walsh partner in Enterprise Equity (Manager AIB Seed Capital Fund). Photo: Billy macGill
