Gluten-free brewery, TWØBAYS Brewing Co, has undertaken a crowd sourced funding campaign via OnMarket, with registration for early access now open.
Although beer volume declined by 3 per cent across the APAC region over the past year, gluten-free beer is on its way up, with the category predicted to grow at 14.65 per cent CAGR over the next few years – and TWØBAYS is leading the charge in Australia.
When founder Richard Jeffares was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2015, he made it his mission to make sure people avoiding gluten could still have access to great beer. Based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, TWØBAYS is Australia's only dedicated gluten-free brewery and taproom, developing over 50 gluten-free beers since starting out in 2018.
“Gluten free is one of the most exciting subcategories for growth in the entire beer industry,” said Jaffares.
“Beer consumption is in long-term decline, partly due to drinkers taking gluten out of their diets, but it remains a central part of Australia’s drinking culture, and we are in prime position to bring millions more Aussies back to drinking beer.
“The funds we raise will allow us to expand distribution, boost production, and open a new city venue to showcase our range,” he said.
The company brews with alternative grains like millet, buckwheat and rice in a dedicated facility, and has landed national distribution deals for its two consumer brands, TWØBAYS and GFB.
Available through all major retailers, key wholesalers, and a broad network of independent bottle shops, as well as in 2500 venues across Australia, TWØBAYS aims to make beer accessible for the 27 per cent of the population who actively avoid gluten, a substantial and underserved consumer base.
In 2024, TWØBAYS gluten-free craft beer was nominated in Food & Drink Business’ Hive Awards Best Ingredient category, and the company also landed its second gold medal in the Gluten Free Beer category at the World Beer Cup in the US this year, making it the only Australian brewery to win back to back golds at the global competition.
Former CEO of Foster’s, Trevor O’Hoy, and Grill’d founder, Simon Crowe, have already signed on to back the company. With investment tiers ranging from $250+ to $50,000+, there’s opportunity for every supporter to get in on the action.
“We have been incredibly fortunate since we started to have a really supportive
pool of investors who have funded our journey so far – but I have long wanted to make our business available for our biggest supporters to invest in so that they can become our best brand ambassadors – all over the country,” said Jaffares via LinkedIn.
“We are well aware that CSF campaigns have had a chequered history – some have ended very badly, but some have been really successful – and we think we will be in the latter group!”
Expressions of interest are now open at onmarket.com.au, with the Investor Webinar and Q&A taking place on 7 October at 12:30pm (AEDT).
