Schar Expands Gluten-Free Business in North America

Dr. Schar is committed to raising awareness and improving the quality of life of those in the U.S. who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

6 Jul 2012 --- Dr. Schar USA, a subsidiary of Europe’s market leader in gluten-free food, announced the official opening of the company’s first gluten-free manufacturing facility in the United States, which expand its reach to the growing celiac and gluten-free consumers. With a commitment to gluten-free foods that are tasty, delicious and nutritious, the new Schar facility delivers the promise of the company’s mission to enable celiac and gluten-free communities to enjoy foods without the worry.

Located in Swedesboro, New Jersey, the 60,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will produce Schar’s popular and newest baked goods. Most notably, Schar is excited to also announce the introduction of gluten-free plain and cinnamon bagels to the U.S. marketplace in response to consumer demand. Additionally, the site will produce the following baked goods:

- Classic and Multigrain Ciabatta Parbaked rolls, and baguettes

- Hearty White Frozen Bread

- Hearty Grain Frozen Bread

- Upcoming baked goods currently in development

“The launch of our first facility in the United States is an exciting milestone for the Schar brand,” says Donna L. George, President and COO of Dr. Schar USA, Inc. “The facility will help accelerate the growth and availability of innovative gluten-free foods in grocery, natural, and specialty stores as well as restaurants and other food outlets across the country. Dr. Schar is committed to raising awareness and improving the quality of life of those in the U.S. who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Our vision is for the Schar brand to be the U.S. market leader in gluten-free foods and innovation and New Jersey is a perfect location to support our national distribution and growth.”

“We are proud to proclaim that Dr. Schar, the market leader in Europe based on a platform of quality, safety, knowledge, and research, is now also made in the USA.”

As a gluten-free facility, Schar will strictly adhere to the same rigorous production standards followed by all company facilities across the globe. From the selection of raw materials to the manufacturing of gluten-free baked goods, the facility will comply with the 20 ppm or less maximum gluten content standard established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission a joint program of the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization.

Special guests Caren S. Franzini Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and actress Jennifer Esposito, a celiac, currently starring in CBS’ Blue Bloods, attended the event. In addition, Dr. Peter H. Green of The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University shared a congratulatory message via video to celebrate Schar’s facility opening.

The new production site is projected to create more than 50 new jobs and help fuel the state’s local economy in addition to supplying the demands of the exploding gluten-free marketplace which is expected to top $2.6 billion by the end of 2012.

“The new Schar facility is a tremendous service to consumers in our country that are in need of gluten-free and baked foods. The company now has breads, rolls and bagels that are gluten-free and delicious,” said Caren Franzini, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Ms. Franzini added, “The Schar facility is also a great economic benefit to the state of New Jersey. We are pleased that Schar made the right decision to choose New Jersey as the home of their first facility in North America. We look forward to the company’s continued growth in our state.”

At the event, Schar honored actress Jennifer Esposito’s non-profit organization, Jennifer’s Way Foundation for Celiac. The non-profit’s mission is to provide education on celiac disease and to serve as a resource for those living with the disease and choosing to live a healthy gluten-free life. With a philosophy that every month is Celiac Awareness Month, Schar selected Jennifer’s Way Foundation for Celiac to help the organization continue to work on raising awareness of celiac disease and provide information for the community. The company presented the non-profit with a monetary donation of $2,500.

Ulrich Ladurner, owner and president of Dr Schär Group, who launched the company over thirty years ago and built a trusted household name among those with celiac disease, closed the ceremony.

“The U.S. is our new home and we are proud to launch the facility in New Jersey. With a comprehensive portfolio of products – over 300 – in Europe, the U.S. facility enables Schar to expand its distribution in the country, while strengthening the Schar brand that so many consumers have learned to trust and love,” said Mr. Ladurner.