GENIUS has clinched a deal to supply gluten-free rolls, made in Scotland, for sale in Caffe Nero coffee shops, which is expected to result in a big boost in its profile.
Founded by Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne after she developed a special bread for her gluten-intolerant son, Robin, Genius has been appointed to provide rolls for 600 Caffe Nero outlets across the UK.
The deal will involve Genius supplying rolls produced in its Bathgate bakery to Caffe Nero stores and other outlets, including Nero Express kiosks in train stations.
The value of the contract has not been disclosed.
However, Edinburgh-based Genius said research showed there would be big demand for its products from consumers who wanted to be able to eat gluten-free goods when they were out and about.
The rolls will be filled by Caffe Nero staff.
Roz Cuschieri, chief executive of Genius, said: "Bringing our products to consumers wherever they are is really important, particularly as so many of our customers tell us they struggle to get fresh gluten-free food when they are travelling or away from home."
The contract is expected to help Genius maintain the rapid progress the company has achieved since Ms Bruce-Gardyne put her first gluten-free loaf on the market in May 2009.
Ms Bruce-Gardyne spent 18 months perfecting the recipe for the loaf and the same again fine-tuning the recipe for mass production.
The company said demand for its bread is increasing at 21.9% year on year.
Chaired by oil and gas tycoon Sir Bill Gammell, who founded Cairn Energy and is himself gluten-intolerant, Genius is expected to turn over a sum approaching £50 million in 2013, compared with a figure of £20m last year.
Genius has developed a range of products it supplies to retailers and sells online.
It has moved into export markets in North America and continental Europe.
The company expects its products will debut in further overseas markets later this year.
In March, Genius acquired two bakeries in Bathgate and Hull from Finsbury Foods in a £21m deal intended to help the company accelerate its rapid growth.
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