Food for Special Dietary Requirements
The pioneer of gluten-free nutrition
South Tyrol/Südtirol is not only known for its culinary diversity but also for innovative ideas regarding all things food. Dr. Schär is a particularly impressive example: a small bakery established in 1922 became a global leader for gluten-free food and medical nutrition. From its headquarters in Burgstall/Postal near Merano/Meran, the family-owned company helps millions of people worldwide to enjoy safe food.
A better life for millions of people
For more than a century, Dr. Schär has taken care of people with special nutritional needs. A trailblazer for gluten-free nutrition, the company has evolved into a global player with a presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of approx. 1,800.
“In the last few years, we have developed a diverse brand portfolio which specifically targets various dietary requirements. Today, three product brands are united under the umbrella of Dr. Schär”, explains Chief Marketing Officer Hansjörg Prast. The SCHÄR brand is globally recognised for gluten-free nutrition. FLAVIS products by Dr. Schär are developed for people affected by chronic kidney disease or inherited protein metabolism disorders, while KANSO is for people following a ketogenic diet, for example, to treat epilepsy, and individuals who use MCT fats in their diet for other health reasons.
Research for health and taste
The development process of new products is clearly structured: prototypes are created in the Dr. Schär laboratory and then adapted for large-scale production. Some products, like the typical Italian ciabattine, a type of white bread, are identical the world over while others are adapted to regional taste buds.
Research and development are at the heart of Dr. Schär. At the R&D Centre at the Area Science Park in Triest, around 35 researchers from various countries work together in teams doing basic research to improve the products, investigating raw materials, and developing new recipes and nutrition concepts together with experts.
Where tradition meets modern science
Everything done at Dr. Schär is done with sustainability in mind: processes are constantly being optimised, packaging is designed using as few resources as possible, and raw materials are used with care. Tradition and modern science go hand in hand at Dr. Schär. And it just goes to show how food from South Tyrol can shape the future anywhere in the world.
