Inspiration can come from anything. In the case of Tom Ruff, the “thing” was a gluten intolerance diagnosis that would ultimately lead him to launch Orange Bike Brewing Company — the first dedicated gluten-free brewery in Portland, Maine. A longtime entrepreneur, Ruff previously founded and grew a medical recruiting company for 32 years. After experiencing major health problems like inflammation, stomach issues, and arthritis a few years ago, he underwent medical testing and discovered that gluten was the underlying culprit.
Gluten is a general term that describes the proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. The most serious form of gluten intolerance comes in the form of celiac disease (which this writer has), an autoimmune disease typically occurring in genetically predisposed individuals that affects approximately 1% of the U.S. population (thanks, Dad!).
However, there are a number of other sensitivities to gluten, including non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and wheat allergy. The good news about all of these forms of gluten intolerance is that their symptoms can be avoided by simply not consuming gluten. What’s the bad news? Avoidance means cutting out most baked goods, bread, pasta, and beers.
Photo Courtesy Orange Bike Brewing
For Ruff, that meant giving up IPAs (Indian pale ales) — his favorite alcoholic beverage. Just like EDM, live-action role-playing, and puzzling, IPAs are not universally loved, but those who enjoy them really enjoy them.
Not too long after discovering his intolerance to gluten, Ruff sold his recruiting firm in 2022 and got to work building his next business: a gluten-free brewery focused on the triple bottom line.
Portland’s First Gluten-Free Brewery
While the business plan and actual brewing operations would require some time to develop, coming up with a name would not — Orange Bike Brewing Company was established that same year. It pays homage to an orange RadWagon Cargo Bike that Ruff bought while acting as a full-time stay-at-home father to his daughter, Lula, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. After adding an extra seat to the back of the orange e-bike, Ruff would take his daughter on daily trips to explore the streets and parks of Portland, Maine.
Photo Courtesy Orange Bike Brewing
When Orange Bike Brewing officially opened its doors to the public on Nov. 18, 2023, it became the first dedicated gluten-free brewery in Portland — one of two in the entirety of Maine and one of 21 in the United States. The craft brewery uses naturally gluten-free grains like buckwheat, millet, and quinoa to brew its beer at what was once an old coat and apron factory in East Bayside.
Legendary independent brewer Peter F. Austin designed its brewing system. It sources its water — the oft-forgotten base ingredient in all beers — from Maine’s Sebago Lake. According to the Nature Conservancy, the lake is one of 50 water supplies in the U.S. that is pure enough not to need filtration before treatment! The brewery doesn’t add any sugars, sorghum, syrups, or extracts into its craft beverages.
Ruff would be hard-pressed to find a better time to enter the gluten-free brewing business than when he did, even if he had the ability to gaze into the future.
According to a ResearchAndMarkets.com report, the global market for gluten-free beer is expected to reach approximately $34 billion by 2030.
The rise in health-conscious consumers and awareness around gluten intolerance are two of the major factors contributing to this projected growth.
Photo Courtesy Orange Bike Brewing
The Triple Bottom Line
Having great timing is just one aspect of a successful business, and much of what makes Orange Bike Brewing unique is its commitment to creating positive social, environmental, and financial impact. The brewery is a member of 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit group where members donate 1% of all their profits to support environmental causes. In addition to acting as CEO and brewmaster, Ruff is a board member of ClimateWork Maine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping businesses understand and address the impacts of climate change.
In only a few years of operations, the brewery has already worked with dozens of students from several universities through mentorship programs. As for what’s next, the brewery is working to achieve a B Corp Certification. In the meantime, it’s safe to say the company will continue being a trailblazer in Maine’s gluten-free beer brewing.
