The Coeliac Society of Ireland has joined forces with Tesco Ireland to increase public awareness of coeliac disease and gluten intolerance and help support the nearly 500,000 Irish people who suffer from the conditions.
As part of a new partnership agreement, the supermarket retailer will sponsor the charity’s gluten free food mobile app and Novembers Gluten Free Living Show. Tesco Ireland will also use its Clubcard Rewards membership programme to promote the Society’s work and the supports it has available to those in need, and also to provide gluten free special offers for shoppers.
Gill Brennan, CEO Coeliac Society Ireland, said: “The significance of this agreement cannot be underestimated. Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance have been growing in prevalence in Ireland, particularly over the last two decades. While we have been working closely with health professionals to improve the incidence of standard testing, in particular for coeliac disease, we still have a long way to go.
“Through the joint initiatives we have planned with Tesco, we hope to raise public awareness of the significance of early diagnosis. It is also important for people to know that if they are concerned about any type of gut issue, they can and should request the relevant test from their GP. It’s a simple blood test that we believe should be carried out as a matter of routine as there are significant long term health benefits if these diseases are caught early.”
According to the Society, undiagnosed coeliac sufferers and others with acute gluten intolerance run the risk of developing preventable or treatable medical conditions including osteoporosis, infertility, stunted growth, diabetes, dermatitis herpetiformis, and some forms of cancer.
Tesco Ireland will support the Coeliac Society’s efforts to promote awareness via its Clubcard Rewards programme and sponsorship of some of the Society’s flagship events. This will be achieved through initiatives that include information mail outs and exclusive discounts to Clubcard members, as well as educational talks and webinars. In addition, the supermarket will sponsor the Coeliac Society’s mobile phone app, which has advice, special offers and a growing list of nearly 8,000 gluten free products that are available to consumers. Additionally, Tesco Ireland will take title sponsorship of the popular Gluten Free Living Show in 2021 as well as supporting other plans throughout the year.
Cathal Deavy, Customer Director at Tesco Ireland said: “We are delighted to partner with the Coeliac Society of Ireland and support the well-being of coeliac sufferers. At Tesco, we are always looking to add products to our range that will provide variety and options for our customers as well as offering quality products at affordable prices. As a leading retailer of Free From foods, customers know and love our ever-expanding product range which accommodates those who cannot or choose not to consume gluten in their diet. We look forward to bringing this partnership to life.”
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