For the first time, hungry celebrities attending the 2012 Sundance Film Festival had the chance to nosh on offerings from Udi's Gluten Free Foods. Throughout the event, festival attendees were greeted with Udi's goodies, including bread, bagels, granola and more with zero gluten and the 100 percent high-quality taste Hollywood's elite expect. Many of the television, music and movie stars who stopped by the booth were already familiar with Udi's products and most importantly, the reality of living gluten free.
At the red carpet for the Creative Coalition's Annual Spotlight Initiative Awards Gala Dinner, honoree Annalynne McCord revealed that she recently discovered her own gluten intolerance and the need to make dietary adjustments. The actress was thrilled to learn that the entire dinner was being sponsored by Udi's Gluten Free Foods and prepared using gluten free ingredients, including Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crusts and White Bread.
As with other healthy eating movements, celebrities are known for being early adopters and trend-setters.
"Based on our experience at Sundance, it's safe to say that the entertainment industry is ahead of the curve in terms of awareness of gluten free foods and the medical and non-medical reasons for eating gluten free," said Denise Sirovatka, vice president of marketing. "We feel fortunate to have met so many vocal, Hollywood influencers, and Udi's is committed to helping them and their fans live a happy, gluten free lifestyle."
During the festival, famous faces, including Elizabeth Olsen, Emily Blunt, James Marsden, William H. Macy, Ice T, Lil Jon and many more, sank their teeth into Udi's delicious gluten free offerings. Eager to share their love for the brand, one actress even requested that Udi's send products to the set of her hit TV show.
The decision to participate in the flurry of activity in Park City during the annual Sundance Film Festival was an easy one for Udi's leadership once the festival theme, "Look Again," was announced. Whether consumers have never gone gluten free before, or they haven't yet found the fun in living gluten free, Udi's is on a perpetual mission to encourage consumers to "look again" at how great life without gluten can be.
Going gluten free — whether mandated by a medical condition or by choice — has become a major trend among consumers and in the food industry. Shoppers are buying more gluten free products — like Udi's foods available at grocery stores across the country — and restaurants are adding more gluten free options to menus.
Udi's revolutionized the gluten free baked goods category in 2008 by introducing the first gluten free bread that tastes and looks like standard bread containing gluten. Research shows that 94 percent of Udi's consumers say the company's products have made living gluten free easier.