What a weekend it was! Coeliac New Zealand was thrilled to be part of another successful Gluten Free Food Festival in Christchurch this April. Our community gathered for two days of fantastic food, valuable learning, and connection, making it a vibrant event for anyone living gluten-free.

The festival showcased approximately 50 vendors, offering an incredible variety of gluten-free products. From established brands to innovative local artisans, attendees explored and sampled everything from freshly baked goods and crackers to beer, gourmet sauces, and confectionery. It was fantastic to witness the joy and relief on people's faces as they were able to experience safe and exciting food options. Feedback on the product range and quality was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant growth and innovation within the gluten-free industry.

Beyond shopping, the festival served as a hub for education and empowerment. Coeliac NZ's expert-led seminar series provided essential insights into navigating a gluten-free lifestyle. Topics covered included understanding coeliac disease, making the most of GP appointments, and creating a balanced gluten-free plate. These sessions provided a platform for attendees to ask questions, gain confidence, and feel more supported in their gluten-free journey.

The food demonstration was a major hit, drawing eager crowds to see Margo and Rosa from the Two Raw Sisters. They shared their cooking tips and new recipes created with Ploughman’s bread, followed by a Q&A session which provided practical tips and tricks to thrive gluten-free. It was a wonderful reminder that a gluten-free diet doesn't mean compromising on delicious and nutritious food.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the festival was the sense of community. The event offered a space for individuals and families living gluten-free to connect, share experiences, and feel understood. The conversations flowing between attendees, vendors, and experts highlighted the shared journey and the strength found in supporting one another. These connections are at the heart of what Coeliac New Zealand strives to achieve.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our vendors, speakers, demonstrators, volunteers, and, of course, every single person who attended and made the Christchurch Gluten Free Food Festival such a resounding success. Your participation makes these events possible and ensures that we can continue to advocate for and support the gluten-free community across New Zealand. Special mention to our crossed-grain logo partners – Ploughmans, Koe Cheese Bread, FOG food, Allergywise, OMG! Decadent Donuts, Golden Goose Foods, and Venerdi – who kept the certified gluten-free goodies flowing all day.

We're already looking forward to our next event and continuing to celebrate the joy of safe and delicious food!

Article provided by Georgia Blomquist, Coeliac New Zealand Health Promotion and Dietary Education Manager.