Frozen food distributor Central Foods has extended its gluten-free range by launching three new chicken products for foodservice operators.

The move is in response to the growing demand from consumers for gluten-free items – and opens up a new market for the popular Golden Valley Foods range of poultry products.

“Demand for gluten-free food has increased significantly over the past few years,” said Gordon Lauder, MD of frozen food distributor Central Foods.

“Gluten-free desserts and sweet items are now readily available, but savoury gluten-free products have been a bit slower in coming to the table, so I am delighted that we have now added three fantastic gluten-free products to our popular Golden Valley Foods range of chicken, available exclusively through Central Foods.

“Chicken remains the most popular meat served in the UK, and it is expected to become the largest meat sector in the world within the next two years, so it pays to include gluten-free chicken dishes on the menu to cater for coeliacs and others who avoid gluten, but who enjoy eating chicken either as a takeaway or in a pub, bar or other outlet.”

The new Golden Valley Foods gluten-free items are Chicken Kievs, Chicken Chunks and Chicken Goujons. All are made from chicken breast meat, are coated in crunchy gluten-free breadcrumbs and are moist and tasty – providing something that’s perfect for all diners, not just those looking for a free-from option.

And all can be cooked from frozen for convenience by either deep frying or baking in the oven.

The Chicken Kievs are made with whole chicken breast fillets, with a real butter, garlic and parsley sauce centre and are packed in 10 x 195g boxes. The Breaded Chicken Chunks - randomly shaped ‘cubes’ of chicken breast meat -  are packed in 2 x 1kg boxes, approximately 32g each / x30 chunks per 1kg. The Breaded Chicken Goujons are packed in 2 x 1kg boxes, approximately 40g each / 24 goujons per 1kg bag.

“The Golden Valley Foods range is our most popular range at Central Foods, offering everything from fillets, wings and drumsticks to satay, nuggets and steaks,” added Gordon. “We anticipate that enhancing the range with three gluten-free options will make the range even more popular with takeaways, fast food outlets, pubs, bars and other hospitality sector caterers who will now be able to serve their customers with gluten-free chicken products.”