Acme Markets Bows Dedicated Dietz & Watson Gluten-Free Deli

A first-ever dedicated Dietz & Watson gluten-free deli case will be unveiled in one of Acme Markets’ stores on the Main Line in suburban Philadelphia that will offer more than 400 gluten-free choices, more than 20 of which will be available one at this one-of-a-kind deli case beginning on Wednesday, June 15.

The two Philadelphia-based partners are taking every step possible to prevent gluten from touching any product in the special eight-foot segregated section of the deli case in Acme’s Paoli, Pa. store, by adhering to strict guidelines to maintain the gluten-free integrity of the products. The gluten-free products will have dedicated slicers separate from the other deli slicers, and deli associates will wear special blue gloves when handling gluten-free products. Shoppers can still purchase items at the regular deli cases with a full array of all traditional offerings available.

“Recently, we have seen an increase in customers who follow gluten-free diets and this partnership with Dietz & Watson is Acme’s latest effort to meet the needs of our customers,” said Dan Sanders, president of Supervalu’s Acme Markets subsidiary. “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.”

Louis Eni, president/CEO of Dietz & Watson, said that the more retailers and suppliers can work together to cater to customers with special needs, the better.

“We’re proud of our extensive variety of gluten-free products which account for almost all of our premium meat delicacies, 100 percent of our artisan cheeses and 100 percent of our condiments, explained Eni, who added that all but two of the company’s 450 items – Philadelphia Scrapple and Bockwurst – are gluten-free.

“We have never used extenders or fillers in our products and never will,” Eni affirmed.Dietz & Watson nutrition consultant Emma Fogt says that one out of every 133 people in the United States has Celiac Disease, preventing them from eating wheat or gluten. “The new gluten-free deli provides tasty options for those with Celiac Disease and those simply concerned with keeping their diet free of wheat,” said Fogt.

Some of Dietz & Watson’s most popular meats are available at the gluten-free deli, including Gourmet Lite Breast of Turkey, Gourmet Lite Cooked Ham and Buffalo Style Chicken Breast. Eni said the debut of the new Gluten-Free Deli in Acme’s Paoli store represents the latest stride his family company is making to blaze a trail in the healthy deli meat and cheese category, which dates back to its origins in1939 as a high quality, all-natural ingredients purvey whose entire 450-item line is free of fillers, MSG and artificial flavors in any kind. Since the 1970s, Dietz & Watson has also offered a healthier line of low sodium products as well.

The new deli also aligns with Acme’s center store gluten-free program that was launched last fall that features signage and special merchandising sets in select stores to help make it easier for customers to find gluten-free products.

With 116 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, Acme Markets' customers can also visit the customer service department to pick up an in-store shopping list/guide to gluten-free products throughout its stores, as well as have their gluten-related questions answered.