Acme Deli Serves Up Gluten-Free Section

JENNA TELESCA

PAOLI, Pa. — Last week, Supervalu-owned Acme Markets and Dietz & Watson Premium Deli Meats & Artisan cheeses partnered to open a dedicated gluten-free deli section in the Acme store here near Philadelphia.

A sign of the growing customer interest in gluten-free foods, the section offers those shoppers who want to avoid wheat approximately 20 of Dietz & Watson's 400 gluten-free products in a special deli case in an 8-foot area of the Acme deli.

The deli will follow strict guidelines to ensure gluten-free integrity and prevent contamination. Precautions include using dedicated gluten-free slicers and having deli associates wear blue gloves when working with the gluten-free products.

“Our Paoli shoppers in need of gluten-free deli meats can now take advantage of this new deli section without having to compromise taste or quality. This gluten-free deli will allow consumers following a diet free of gluten to shop with more confidence,” said Acme Markets President Dan Sanders in a press release.

In addition to accommodating the rising number of people suffering from celiac disease, Acme spokesman Steve Sylven told SN that the idea to try out a dedicated gluten-free deli was born from Acme's gluten-free program launched last fall. Acme highlights gluten-free products in Center Store with signs and provides information and a gluten-free product guide in customer service departments.