Schnucks targets Celiac sufferers

ST., LOUIS —The cultivation of cereals for human consumption helped give rise to the first civilizations, but humans’ dependence on grains has left out the 1-in-133 people who have an autoimmune disorder that prevents them from digesting grains. Celiac disease, which prevents people from processing gluten and results in malnutrition and intestinal damage, has been around a long time, but lately, some retailers have provided relief to those with the disease.

Schnuck Markets announced at the beginning of August a partnership with Ellisville, Mo.-based Beck’s Gluten-Free to provide fresh and prepared gluten-free meals at 13 of its stores in the St. Louis area. Customers can order by phone or through the Schnucks and Beck’s websites (schnucks.com/gluten-free.asp and becksgf.com) and pick up the order the next day. Beck’s foods range from salads and pasta dishes to chicken entrees and fruit pies.

According to a report by Nielsen released in May, sales of gluten-free food products increased by 74% between 2004 and 2009, and are projected to grow by 15% to 25% per year, reaching $2.6 billion in sales by 2012.