On the low end, an estimated 1% of the (US) population is diagnosed with Celiac disease – an autoimmune condition resulting from a severe intolerance to gluten. When someone suffers from celiac disease, it’s absolutely vital that they avoid gluten at all costs because ingesting even small amounts can be very harmful, if not deadly.

An estimated 6% of the population is “gluten sensitive”. People sensitive to gluten report digestive distress whenever they ingest products that contain gluten.

An even larger percentage of the population opt for a gluten-free lifestyle. These people may not be intolerant or sensitive to gluten per-se (from a health concern point of view), but individuals who are gluten-free report many health benefits from avoiding gluten in their diets.

What is Gluten?

Without getting too technical and scientific, gluten is a component (protein) found in many grains like wheat, rye, and barley. When you take these grains and turn them into bread, gluten is the magic ingredient that gives the dough its elasticity.

But there is Barley in Beer!

Traditionally, yes. Some cornerstone ingredients in beer are grain-derived (i.e. barley), so there is gluten in a mass majority of beer produced. If you are celiac or live a gluten-free lifestyle, you do not want to consume beer that contains some of these traditional grain ingredients.

Note: there is no gluten present in hops

Are there Gluten-Free Beers?

Yes! And they are delicious!

The sad truth is that celiac disease is on the rise and more and more people are reporting sensitivity to gluten. People who suffer from gluten intolerance are just like you and me – they love beer! As the gluten-free diet has grown in popularity (both out of necessity and choice) there is an increase in both the number of gluten-free craft beer options and the quality of gluten-free craft beer being produced.

Instead of traditional grains that contain gluten, brewers of gluten-free beer use alternative ingredients like buckwheat, rice, quinoa, millet and sorghum.

Creating a viable gluten-free beer is not an easy task for any brewer; making delicious gluten-free beer is even harder.

Firstly, it’s imperative that no ingredients that contain gluten make it into a brewery, so the quality control measures at a gluten-free facility are increased 10 fold.

Secondly, there is perception to overcome. Even though we live in a craft beer culture where experimentation is both embraced and celebrated, gluten-free beers have had a barrier to entry. People, whether they admit it to themselves or not, like a certain amount of tradition and style when it comes to the beer that they drink.

Thirdly is quality and taste. Once people are willing to try your product, are they going to like it?

Lucky for Glutenberg – they’ve been able hit each of those milestones head on and are producers of some pretty amazing craft beer.

Glutenberg is 100% gluten-free and comes from Ontario, Canada.

Glutenberg: This Is Who We Are from Glutenberg on Vimeo.

Work with Glutenberg

Glutenberg is distributed in the US and is currently looking to hire two Brewery Representatives – one for the Midwest market and one for the East Coast Market.

Take a look at the job description below, and if you’d like to apply, visit the listing to submit your resumé and cover letter.

Glutenberg – Brewery Representative

Glutenberg Brewery has an immediate opening for a Brewery Representative on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The Brewery Representative will work autonomously to focus on developing new accounts and maintaining current accounts within the industry. A high emphasis is placed on increasing the availability and visibility of products in new and existing accounts.

Responsibilities

• Work with distributor’s representatives to help obtain distribution and volume goals developed by partner distributors and suppliers.
• Develop strong retail relationships with key on and off premise accounts in assigned distributor territory.
• Improve conditions and merchandise accounts by building displays, resetting coolers and displaying point of sale items to increase visibility of the brand.
• Monitor products code dates in trade, ensure all product is rotated and fresh.
• Participate in distributor sales meetings.
• Conducting waitstaff / bartender educations, beer tastings and evening promotions.
• Represent suppliers in trade shows, festivals and other events.
• Provide weekly activity reports to suppliers.
• Regularly follow-up with distributors by phone or email.
• Spontaneously follow-up with retailers by phone.
• Create and manage incentive programs.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Local resident in New England / in Chicago Metro.
• 1 to 3 years of proven results oriented experience in outside sales or within the food & beverage industry.
• An intense competitive spirit with an assertive, confident personality.
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to achieving results.
• Strong judgment and professional maturity.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team to accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must be able to travel occasionally in other US markets
• Must be able to work flexible hours/days, including weekend events
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred, Business, Marketing, or related discipline.
• Must have at least 2 years of related work experience.Must have a valid driver licenseAbility to lift and move cases of beer frequently.

Want to keep in touch with Glutenberg? Follow them on Twitter!