Michigan-based independent grocer Hiller’s Markets will host a gluten-free food fair Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 at its West Bloomfield, Mich., store, preceded earlier that week by a demo by the company’s executive chef, Peter Julian, featuring Hiller’s exclusive gluten-free recipes.

One in 133 Americans has celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the intestine to attack itself in response to wheat, rye and barley. Many more people can’t tolerate gluten, the substance that gives bread its crumbly texture. For these people, eating gluten-containing foods can result in stomach pains, skin outbreaks, bone loss or headaches.

Renowned for providing an extensive variety of gluten-free products, Hiller’s regularly hosts gluten-free food fairs at its stores. The two-day event at its West Bloomfield store will feature vendor exhibits, representatives from a celiac support group, product demos and information, gluten-free recipe handouts, and more.

As part of CEO Jim Hiller’s mission “to give my customers everything they need, all in one place,” Southfield, Mich.-based Hiller’s offers the most extensive selection of gluten-free items in metro Detroit, all of which are marked by gluten-free shelf tags to make them stand out in every aisle. “It’s hard enough to find good quality foods,” said Hiller. “No one wants to drive to five stores. At Hiller’s, you can find everything on your list and walk away happy.”

In addition to gluten-free products, the seven-store independent also stocks a large array of foods for customers with nut, dairy and wheat allergies, as well as those who follow a kosher diet. With stores in Ann Arbor, Berkley, West Bloomfield, Northville, Plymouth, Commerce Township and a new 52,000 square-foot store in Union Lake, Hiller’s also carries an impressive amount of British and Japanese food sections.

Progressive Grocer