Over the last decade, the demand for gluten-free beers has grown causing a positive increase in gluten-free focused companies and breweries. In this session, three industry experts examine the increasing popularity of gluten-free beers and what it means for the industry.  They will also share insights into what they’ve learned about consumer demographics and preferences and how this market is accessible to all.

After a 20-year business career, Richard Jeffares found his entrepreneurial truly kicking in. The catalyst: a 2015 Coeliac Disease diagnosis. Richard loved craft beer, and when this was ‘cruelly’ taken away from him, he decided to do something about it. Not happy with the current gluten free beer offering in Australia, he decided to set up his own dedicated gluten free brewery using the malts from Grouse Malt House and Eckert Maltings. Nearly 6 years later, Two Bays Brewing Company is now the leading independent gluten free brewery in Australia. Passionate about ensuring that everyone can get access to a beer for any occasion, he and his team are enthusiastic about the continued growth of gluten free beer – and making sure it is available at every venue with a liquor licence in the country.

Tom Ruff is the founder of Orange Bike Brewing Company, Portland, Maine’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery. Orange Bike Brewing is committed to brewing world-class, naturally gluten-free beer while driving social, environmental, and economic change. Before launching Orange Bike Brewing, Tom Ruff was the founder and CEO of Tom Ruff Executive Search, a successful healthcare recruiting firm he led and grew for three decades. He also serves as a business mentor to multiple organizations, including B Labs, Quality Housing Coalition Trust in Moms and Techstars. Tom is an active member of the board of directors for ClimateWork Maine, an organization dedicated to helping businesses understand the effects of climate change and be part of the solution.

Twila Soles is the founder and CEO of Grouse Malt House, a craft malting company established in 2013 and is dedicated to supplying gluten-free ingredients to the craft brewing industry. Her commitment to innovation and quality has positioned Grouse Malt House as a leader in the gluten-free malt sector, supporting brewers around the world in crafting exceptional gluten-free beers. Twila is also a Founding Member of the North American Craft Maltster’s Guild and past Board member. She holds an undergraduate degree in Nutrition from Miami University and a Master’s degree in Food Science & Food Safety from Colorado State University.