Hiller’s Markets Hosts Celiac Awareness Days

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the intestine attacks itself in response to allergens like wheat, rye and barley, Miriam Cohen sat down to brunch, assuming she couldn’t eat a bite of anything that would be served.

But when the host offered Cohen a plate of gluten-free English muffins from Hiller’s, she broke into a huge grin.

“People just don’t understand how serious it can be,” says Cohen, a Bloomfield Hills resident. “I’ve always shopped at Hiller’s, so I was thrilled to see so many foods I could eat without getting sick.”

One in 133 Americans endure Celiac Disease and cannot tolerate gluten. If they eat products that contain offending ingredients, they suffer stomach pains, skin outbreaks, bone loss or awful headaches.

Nationally known as a leader in providing an extensive variety of gluten-free products, Hiller’s will host two Celiac Awareness fairs this month – October 11-12 at the Union Lake store and the following week in Ann Arbor. The two-day events will feature vendor exhibits, a Tri-County Celiac Support Group table, product demos and information and the launch of a quarterly Hiller’s Gluten-Free Newsletter.

“Imagine learning you cannot eat foods you’ve always enjoyed,” says Jim Hiller, CEO of Hiller’s Markets. “And then realizing you’ll have to drive to many stores to get the groceries you need – or worse, search the Internet for anything and everything that you can’t find in a store. It is my priority to give my customers everything they need – without having to go anywhere else.”

Hiller’s offers the most extensive selection of gluten-free items in metro Detroit – and they’re marked by special Gluten-Free shelf tags to make them stand out in every aisle of the store. Working in partnership with specialty companies like Celiac Specialties LLC, whose gluten-free pizza can be found in the Hiller’s freezer section, the family-owned company sells gluten-free frozen, packaged and baked items.

“You want to eat like other people,” says Cohen. “Jim Hiller is conscientious about offering a variety of products. Other markets have stuff - but not like he does.”

Founded in 1941 with a commitment to quality, service and selection, Hiller’s operates seven stores in metro Detroit. It has long been a company philosophy to meet the needs of challenged food audiences. Hiller’s stocks an increasing array of foods for customers with nut, dairy and wheat allergies as well as those who follow a kosher diet. What’s more, its dedication to specialty palates includes unparalleled and impressive British and Japanese food sections.

Hiller’s works in tandem with the Tri County Celiac Support Group, to meet the specific needs of gluten-intolerant consumers. TCCSG President Mary Guerriro says Hiller’s was the first grocery in the area to aggressively market to gluten-free consumers and affirms that it maintains the largest selection in the Midwest.

“I can go there and get spaghetti, baked goods – everything in one fell swoop,” she says.

Through its new website, www.hillers.com, gluten-free consumers can request a lengthy list of products. Any customer can submit a request or special order through the website, and it will be quickly fulfilled.

“It’s hard enough to find good quality foods,” says Hiller. “No one wants to drive to five stores. At Hiller’s, you can cross everything off your list and walk away happy.”

EVENT INFORMATION: Hiller’s Celiac Awareness Days
What: Showcase gluten-free products. Raffles, demos, tastings and information.
When: Oct. 11-12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hiller’s, 3010 Union Lake Road (at Commerce Road) (248) 363-8718;
Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hiller’s, 3615 Washtenaw Ave (in Ann Arbor’s Arborland Mall). (734) 677-2370

Download this article.

[ Back ]