OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST BROOKE HANSON INVESTS IN GLUTEN-FREE BREWING

Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson has joined TWØBAYS Brewing Co as a retail investor, backing the Mornington Peninsula-based company’s mission to make Australian beer culture more inclusive for people with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance.

Her investment comes as TWØBAYS smashes records with its equity crowdfunding campaign on OnMarket.

During the private round, the brewery raised $1.3 million from 400 investors in just 24 hours, with the average investment reaching $3,250—almost double the platform’s usual average.

The public round has already seen more than half of the $2.5 million target subscribed.

TWØBAYS founder and CEO Richard Jeffares said the response highlights the community’s emotional connection to the brand.

“TWØBAYS’ success is built on a community that refuses to be left out,” said Jeffares. “Our investors are people who love our beer and believe in what we stand for.

"They want us to thrive because they can’t imagine a world where their favourite beer is not available. Many of them, like Brooke, know what it feels like to be excluded when a pub or restaurant doesn’t offer quality gluten-free options.

This raise is proof that inclusivity can inspire loyalty and passion in ways few brands ever achieve.”

OnMarket Campaign Manager Mark Hubbard said the raise is a standout example of how customer loyalty drives investor confidence.

“From day one, this raise has stood out,” he said.. “During the expression of interest phase, TWØBAYS recorded the highest level of interest we’ve ever seen on our platform, reaching a midpoint of $8.1 million from more than 3,000 potential investors.

"That enthusiasm translated directly into the private round, where we saw $1.3 million invested in the first 24 hours.

"TWØBAYS has built an extraordinary database as Australia’s largest brewery-to-consumer online retailer.

"When you combine that kind of brand loyalty with a mission people genuinely believe in, you create a raise that exceeds all expectations.”

TWØBAYS founder and CEO Richard Jeffares

Hanson, who was recently diagnosed with coeliac disease, said her investment is driven by personal experience.

“I know what it feels like to be excluded from something as simple as sharing a beer with your friends,” said Hanson.

“Discovering TTWØBAYS gave me back that social connection. I’m proud to invest in a brand that’s making sure no one misses out on those moments.”

TWØBAYS is Australia’s top-selling independent gluten-free brewery and the only Australian brand to win back-to-back World Beer Cup Gold Medals, taking out the title of world’s best gluten-free beer in both 2024 and 2025.

Despite its international recognition and a growing number of Australians avoiding gluten, less than 5 per cent of the country’s liquor licences currently stock TWØBAYS.

“Beer may be in long-term decline, but we’re proving that inclusivity and quality can drive new growth,” said Jeffares.

“The passion behind this raise shows just how strongly people connect to our mission of bringing everyone back to the bar shout.”

Funds raised through the campaign will be used to expand national distribution, boost production, and open a new city venue showcasing the brewery’s full range.