You have what?!
By: Mark Winter
That’s the response I typically receive from coworkers, new friends and acquaintances when I tell them I have Celiac Disease. It’s understandable if you don’t know what gluten is or that it’s found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. What is really curious, though, about my bread- and pasta-unfriendly disease is how many restaurants have no clue about what gluten is or what foods contain gluten.
A new study just revealed some fun facts about food allergies, are all you entrepreneurs taking note?
- Over 300 million people worldwide have a food allergy
- 80% of gluten intolerant customers report loyalty to restaurants who accommodate them
- Less than 10% of restaurants are ranked as having a “good understanding” of allergen-free diets
This poses some interesting opportunities. While many seem to be worried about business, are cutting extras out of their budgets and are tightening spending lately, I think this study serves to remind us that regardless of the market, there are some great business opportunities just waiting to be found. Where there’s a need, people will still spend the money.
