Ground Breaker Brewing
Ground Breaker Brewing is the first dedicated and certified gluten-free craft brewery in the United States, founded in 2011 in Portland, Oregon. It produces naturally gluten-free ales, lagers, and sours on a 7-barrel system, selling via regional wholesalers across 11 states, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, and an on-site gastropub serving celiac, gluten-sensitive, and craft beer consumers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersPortland, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Ground Breaker Brewing does
Ground Breaker Brewing is a privately-held craft brewery and gastropub founded in 2011 in Portland, Oregon, operating as the first dedicated and certified gluten-free brewery in the United States. The company runs a 7-barrel brewing facility where no gluten-containing items are permitted on-site, producing ales, lagers, and sours from naturally gluten-free grains including rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, and teff. Its portfolio spans a core year-round lineup (IPA No. 5, Inclusion Dry-Hopped Pale Ale, Dark Ale, 99 Light, Olallie) plus the Roll-Up Door Series of limited/seasonal releases and a Brewer's Delight experimental series, with merchandise sold online.
The business generates revenue through three channels: wholesale distribution via at least 13 named regional partners covering 11 US states plus Washington DC; direct-to-consumer online beer shipping (subject to state-level licensing) into Kentucky, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington DC with a 24-can minimum order and flat-rate UPS pricing; and on-site sales from its all-ages, dog-friendly gastropub at 2030 SE 7th Avenue, which partners with SalviPDX for a co-located gluten-free food menu. Unit pricing is in the $13.50-$20.00 range per multi-pack, with branded apparel and accessories sold through a separate online merchandise store.
The company has no disclosed external funding, no parent, and no subsidiaries. Brand positioning centers on first-mover status in the US gluten-free craft segment and award validation, with seven medals at the Great American Beer Festival and a World Beer Cup award cited as credibility assets. Customer segments span gluten-free consumers (including celiac and gluten-sensitive), quality-focused craft beer enthusiasts, and health-conscious calorie-aware buyers (via the 99 Light line), with an additional cause-marketing layer tied to a partnership with the Equitable Giving Circle.
Ground Breaker Brewing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ground Breaker Brewing
- Legal name
- Ground Breaker Brewing
- Website
- https://groundbreakerbrewing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Ground Breaker Brewing is the first dedicated and certified gluten-free craft brewery in the United States, founded in 2011 in Portland, Oregon. It produces naturally gluten-free ales, lagers, and sours on a 7-barrel system, selling via regional wholesalers across 11 states, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, and an on-site gastropub serving celiac, gluten-sensitive, and craft beer consumers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ground Breaker Brewing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Beer Brewing
- NAICS
- Breweries (31212), Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers (42481), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)
- SIC
- Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA), Beer Retail (Bottle Shops & Beer Merchants) (CRANABAC)
Keywords
Where Ground Breaker Brewing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ground Breaker Brewing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct Beer Sales: Direct-to-consumer beer sales through their e-commerce platform with online ordering and direct shipping to customers in licensed states.
- Wholesale Distribution: Revenue from distribution partners across Oregon, Washington, Montana, California, Colorado, Michigan, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut through regional distributors.
- Gastropub On-Site Sales: On-site beer and food sales at their gastropub location in Portland, OR. Pub is all ages and outdoor seating is dog-friendly.
- Merchandise Sales: Online merchandise store selling apparel, accessories, glassware, and event items including t-shirts and hats.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | IPA No. 5 - 4-pack pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 99 Light - 6-pack pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Imperial Darkness - 4-pack pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cantankerous Stout - 4-pack sale pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SalviPDX IPA - 4-pack minimum order |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | T-shirt merchandise |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels15 records
Marketing channels5 records
Ground Breaker Brewing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ground Breaker Brewing brews and sells naturally gluten-free craft beer — including ales, lagers, sours, IPAs, stouts, and experimental styles — from a dedicated 7-barrel brewery and gastropub in Portland, Oregon. The company distributes its beer through wholesale partners across 11 U.S. states plus DC, ships direct-to-consumer online to select states, and sells branded merchandise through an online store.
Product overview
Ground Breaker Brewing is a 100% dedicated gluten-free brewery and gastropub in Portland, OR, established in 2011 as the first certified gluten-free brewery in the United States. The company offers a portfolio of gluten-free craft beers across three main product lines: (1) Core year-round beers including IPA No. 5, Inclusion Dry-Hopped Pale Ale, Dark Ale, 99 Light, and Olallie; (2) Limited and seasonal releases under the Roll-Up Door Series (imperial stouts, hazies) and Brewer's Delight Series (experimental styles); and (3) Merchandise including apparel and accessories. All beers are brewed using naturally gluten-free ingredients including rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, and teff. The brewery operates a 7-barrel system and has won multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- IPA No. 5 Year-round West Coast IPA at 6.0% ABV featuring a hop-forward profile with citrus aroma and tropical/stone fruit flavors, made with Pacific Northwest hops.
- Inclusion Dry-Hopped Pale Ale Year-round Dry-Hopped Pale Ale at 5.5% ABV, brewed to be bright, crisp, and accessible to a wide audience of craft beer enthusiasts. Founded the brewery in 2011.
- Dark Ale Year-round English Dark Mild at 4.5–4.7% ABV brewed with malted rice, flaked quinoa, and Belgian-style Candi Syrup, delivering caramel, light roast, chocolate, and dark fruit flavors.
- 99 Light Year-round low-calorie light American lager at 3.8–3.9% ABV with only 92–103 calories per 12oz serving; positioned as a gluten-free light beer with no flavor compromise.
- Olallie Year-round fruit ale at 4.5% ABV brewed with rotating seasonal fruit, rosehips, and Crystal hops; crisp, dry, and well-balanced.
- Imperial Darkness Limited release imperial stout at 8.0–8.1% ABV brewed with rice, buckwheat, and millet malt with cacao and vanilla additions; released annually every December for the brewery's anniversary.
- The Double Hazy Limited release double dry-hopped hazy IPA at 6.8–7.3% ABV double-dry-hopped with Mosaic, Citra, and Nelson Sauvin; collaboration with Equitable Giving Circle.
- Love Your Body Seasonal pale Mexican Lager (clara style) at 4.8% ABV returning as a summer seasonal release.
- Cantankerous Stout Limited release stout at 5.1% ABV brewed with rice, millet, and buckwheat malt, with roast, chocolate, and creamy grain notes.
- Fête à Teff Lager Limited release lager at 4.9% ABV brewed with whole grain ivory teff and Lórien hops; created for the 11th annual SheBrew Festival.
- Olallie Light - Blackberry Limited release low-calorie fruit ale at 3.5% ABV with only 97 calories per can, featuring blackberry flavor and aroma while remaining crisp and dry.
- Cancellation Herbal Ale Limited release dry-hopped pale ale at 5.6% ABV brewed with milk thistle, goji berries, schisandra berries, burdock root, dandelion root, and lemons; inspired by ancient ales.
- SalviPDX IPA Limited release hazy IPA at 7.2% ABV brewed in collaboration with SalviPDX, containing mango and jocote fruit.
- Chamomile Saison Limited release farmhouse-style saison fermented with Philly Sour yeast and chamomile addition, featuring floral, earthy, pepper, and straw notes.
- Japanese Rice Lager Limited release Brewer's Delight No. 007 lager with lemon, cracker, herb, and crisp characteristics.
- West Coast Pilsner Limited release West Coast-style pilsner brewed with rice malt, millet malt, and flaked quinoa, dry-hopped with the 7th annual Pink Boots hop blend — tropical, crisp, dank, and dry.
- Emerald Spire Sour IPA Limited release farmhouse-inspired IPA single-hopped with Michigan-grown Emerald Spire hops, featuring peach, tart, white grape, and melon rind notes.
- Belgian Ale with Wine Lees Limited release Belgian Golden Ale created in collaboration with neighboring winery Helioterra, aged on Pinot Blanc wine lees.
- Dunkelzwerghirse Limited release gluten-free version of a dunkelweizen (dark wheat beer) made without wheat.
- Ground Breaker Naturally Gluten-Free T-shirt Branded t-shirt available in unisex and scoop styles, sizes S-XXL, in black and white colors, sold through the online merchandise store.
- Ground Breaker Patch Hat Richardson 112 hat with Ground Breaker Brewing logo featuring 'Gluten-Free Craft Beer' tagline, sold through the online merchandise store.
Quantifiable outcome
- Seven GABF medals and World Beer Cup award recognition
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Ground Breaker Brewing
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ground Breaker Brewing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Ground Breaker Brewing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MaletiscorePortland, Salem, and Southwest Washington distribution partner handling wholesale distribution of Ground Breaker beers to retailers in the region.
- Bigfoot BeveragescoreEugene, Bend and Central Coast Oregon distribution partner for Ground Breaker beer distribution.
- Summit BeveragescoreAshland and Medford Oregon distribution partner for Ground Breaker beer distribution.
- Fort George DistributioncoreClatsop and Tillamook County Oregon distribution partner for Ground Breaker beer distribution.
- NW BeveragescoreGreater Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, and Olympic Peninsula Washington distribution partner.
- Walton BeveragecoreWhatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Washington distribution partner.
- Soaring Eagle DistributioncoreEastern Washington distribution partner for Ground Breaker beer distribution.
- Hayden Beverage CompanycoreMontana statewide distribution partner for Ground Breaker beers.
- Artisan DistributingcoreBay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California distribution partner for Ground Breaker beers.
- Colorado Craft DistributorscoreColorado statewide distribution partner for Ground Breaker beers.
- Imperial BeveragecoreMichigan statewide distribution partner for Ground Breaker beers.
- Atlantic Beverage DistributorscoreMassachusetts and Rhode Island distribution partner for Ground Breaker beers.
- 12 Percent ImportscoreNew York, New Jersey, and Connecticut distribution partner for Ground Breaker beers.
- Equitable Giving CircleminorCollaboration partner for The Double Hazy beer. Ten percent of The Double Hazy profits donated to EGC, a peer-led and community-funded organization aiming to build equity throughout Portland's BIPOC communities through CSA programs.
- SalviPDXcoreFood partner collaboration for SalviPDX IPA hazy IPA brewed with mango and jocote fruit. SalviPDX provides gluten-free food at the Ground Breaker gastropub location.
- HelioterraminorNeighboring winery collaboration for Belgian Ale with Wine Lees - a Belgian Golden Ale aged on Pinot Blanc wine lees created in partnership with Helioterra.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Ground Breaker Brewing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Deschutes Brewery: Bend, Oregon-based regional craft brewery with strong Pacific Northwest distribution. Comparable as a fellow Oregon craft brewery with multi-state wholesale reach and award-winning reputation, competing for similar craft beer shelf space and consumer mindshare in the PNW.
- Breakside Brewery: Portland, Oregon-based craft brewery with multiple brewpub locations and broad distribution. Comparable as a fellow Portland craft brewery with experimental beer programs, multiple taproom experience, and award-winning portfolio.
- Migration Brewing: Portland, Oregon-based craft brewery with pub and distribution. Comparable as a fellow Portland craft brewery operating a brewpub model alongside wholesale distribution, sharing similar local market dynamics.
- Great Notion Brewing: Portland, Oregon-based craft brewery known for hazy IPAs and innovative styles. Comparable as a fellow Portland craft competitor with experimental/limited release series and strong local brand presence.
Direct peers
- New Planet Beer: Colorado-based gluten-free craft brewery producing ales and lagers from naturally gluten-free ingredients. Comparable as an early entrant in the dedicated gluten-free craft beer category with similar product and customer base.
- Ghostfish Brewing Company: Seattle-based craft brewery dedicated exclusively to gluten-free beer production. Directly comparable as the closest direct competitor in the dedicated gluten-free craft beer niche, with similar product positioning and Pacific Northwest distribution overlap.
- Holidaily Brewing Company: Golden, Colorado-based dedicated gluten-free craft brewery. Directly comparable as a fellow dedicated gluten-free brewery with similar product portfolio (ales, lagers, stouts) and multi-state distribution focus.
- Alt Brew: Madison, Wisconsin-based dedicated gluten-free craft brewery. Comparable as a dedicated gluten-free producer serving the same celiac/gluten-sensitive consumer segment with similar craft beer portfolio approach.
Broad incumbents
- Stone Brewing: Escondido, California-based major craft brewery with broad national distribution. Comparable as a large craft beer incumbent that competes for premium craft beer shelf space and consumer attention, though not specifically focused on gluten-free.
- New Belgium Brewing: Fort Collins, Colorado-based major craft brewery (now owned by Kirin) with broad national distribution and sustainability focus. Comparable as a large craft beer incumbent that sets category benchmarks for premium craft positioning and distribution scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ground Breaker Brewing social profiles
Digital presenceGround Breaker Brewing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ground Breaker Brewing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Ground Breaker Brewing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ground Breaker Brewing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ground Breaker Brewing
What does Ground Breaker Brewing do?
Ground Breaker Brewing brews and sells naturally gluten-free craft beer — including ales, lagers, sours, IPAs, stouts, and experimental styles — from a dedicated 7-barrel brewery and gastropub in Portland, Oregon. The company distributes its beer through wholesale partners across 11 U.S. states plus DC, ships direct-to-consumer online to select states, and sells branded merchandise through an online store.
Is Ground Breaker Brewing a public or private company?
Ground Breaker Brewing is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Ground Breaker Brewing founded?
Ground Breaker Brewing was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Ground Breaker Brewing based?
Ground Breaker Brewing is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ground Breaker Brewing make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Direct Beer Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale Distribution, gastropub On-Site Sales and merchandise Sales.
Who are Ground Breaker Brewing's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Deschutes Brewery, Breakside Brewery, Migration Brewing and Great Notion Brewing. Direct peers are New Planet Beer, Ghostfish Brewing Company, Holidaily Brewing Company and Alt Brew. Broad incumbents are Stone Brewing and New Belgium Brewing.
Does Ground Breaker Brewing have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ground Breaker Brewing.
What industry is Ground Breaker Brewing in?
Ground Breaker Brewing's product category is Craft Beer Brewing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFALAB, Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service), with a secondary code of CRAOAIAA, Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution. Its NAICS code is 31212 and its SIC code is 2082.