It all started with a birthday cake.

When the mum of a coeliac child came to Scally’s SuperValu in Clonakilty to request a novelty cake just like all the other kids had, owners Eugene and Catriona Scally quickly identified a gap in the market.

Surprised to discover that an estimated 50,000 people live with coeliac disease in Ireland and a further 400,000 are gluten intolerant, the couple invested in a specialist bakery, opening Clonakilty Gluten Free Kitchen in 2015.

Now, with daughter Niamh Scally at the reins, the brand has grown from a gluten free unit to the rear of the store into a fully-fledged independent business based in a new stand-alone production unit in Bandon, employing five staff.

The scratch bakery range includes 17 lines: yeast breads like their rustic white loaf, multigrain and white rolls, specialty loaves, oat and yogurt loaf, corn bread and brioche, and confectionery lines including apple tart and tea brack.

It’s also the gluten-free bread served at five-star hotels including The Europe Hotel and The Great Southern Hotel.

The allergy safe brand is included in the Coeliac Society of Ireland Food List for 2021, which is compiled in accordance with current EC legislation and, in addition to checking food labels, offers coeliacs and those with a gluten intolerance reassurance about what is safe to eat.

“The response from the consumer has been incredibly positive, they have a real appreciation for the freshness, taste and breadth of range and we recently launched our apple tart as a result of listening to our audience.” said Niamh.

“We have a brand that is positive and vibrant and fun; and part of that ethos is to provide food that makes living with coeliac disease a joy and positive experience. It is my personal mission to deliver products that people will love and my team are passionate about serving those needs through the development of our trusted gluten free range.”

You’ll find Clonakilty Gluten Free Kitchen in SuperValu stores across Cork.