It’s been almost a year since I went looking for G-F beers and was told by several retailers that they existed, but they were difficult to get and no one bought them anyway. Whew, what a difference a year makes! This comment applies well to the entire G-F marketplace as so many stores, at a range of price points, have expanded their gluten-free offerings. Some organize the aisles with a section reserved for these products and some merely put distinct markings on the shelf tag for your eye to catch the news.

Then there is the overall beer market. When Anheuser-Busch started playing in the space, you know the numerical analysis supports what we recognize as a growing market space. Add a few smaller brewers into the rice and sorghum mix and you have real possibilities. The other day I noticed a shelf at a store that pronounced “zero” beers in that category a year ago now proclaim, yes, we have 3 distinct G-F beers! They still do not carry the wide assortment of Green’s. Remember not everyone needs a major disease to cut back on their gluten. Gluten intolerance and a range of allergens drive a significant number of shoppers into this growing space. As more artisan brewers enter this space, the shelves will need bigger markers!

So how does this stuff taste? Beer evokes all types of responses from individuals including those who quickly dismiss the taste of a beer as something they want no part of. The G-F beers I’ve tried, as long as they have been served properly chilled, are refreshing and pair well with a variety of foods. No, they do not rival the fresh from the hops taste you get from a long pull of draft, but someday they may be popular enough to convert a new legion of followers. Since I try numerous beers and enjoy a lighter, crisper taste, I find that these do surprisingly well against many of the other brews that line my refrigerator walls.

Not everyone serves wine with their turkey holiday. These are worth having on hand for those who might prefer or need a G-F brew!

Tags: marketing, trends