STORY: Essex bakery signs wholesale contract

Essex-based gluten-free bakery Davina Steel has announced it will work with fine food wholesale specialist Hider Foods and health food wholesaler The Health Store.

The bakery specialises in gluten-free bread, focaccia, scones and pizza. Co-founders Davina Steel and her husband Dan Jennings said their mission was to “redefine the taste of gluten-free baking”.

They set up their business in 2015 under the name of MannaVida, earning recognition for their products at the Tiptree World Bread Awards twice. Their products are sold in outlets such as Holland & Barrett, Ocado and 250 farm shops and delicatessens nationwide.

Dan Jennings said: “Hider Foods has an enviable reputation in the fine food trade and some fantastic contacts, while The Health Store is a specialist in its field.

“Our aim is to attract a new range of retailers who are looking to stock high quality, gluten free products.

“We produce six delicious gluten free baking kits that are proving incredibly popular. In working with distributors such as Hider Foods, The Health Store and Springvale Foods, we're hoping to boost our customer base across the UK over the next few months.”