Argentina: Quilmes produces the first gluten-free beer in the country

Quilmes is preparing to start the production of the first gluten-free beer in Argentina: after a lengthy negotiation with Michelob Ultra, the company aims to create a new market in the country, FreshlyBottled.com reported on October 22.

With an investment of 4.5 million euros and nearly two years of negotiations, the company has confirmed that it will begin producing and marketing Michelob Ultra gluten-free beer, which will be brewed at the Acheral plant in the province of Tucum�n in northern Argentina. To achieve this, the brewery modified its facility and met a series of requirements to certify that the entire production process is free from gluten.

"We have wanted to implement this technology for many years, because one of the barriers to the development of the category is people who do not consume gluten. And it is not just those who have celiac disease, but there are many people interested in reducing the amount of gluten," said Eugenio Raffo, vice president of Marketing at Cervecer�a Y Malter�a Quilmes (CMQ), in a statement.

While this will be the first gluten-free beer in the country, AB InBev, owner of CMQ, already produces gluten-free beer under the Stella Artois brand in Chile and Uruguay, and under the Michelob Ultra brand in Brazil.