Gluten-Free Living is a leader in providing practical, reliable information about the gluten-free diet. 

Editor in Chief Ann Whelan brings together first-hand knowledge of celiac disease and extensive experience in journalism and publishing. She has worked for health-related magazines, helping to launch five publications before she founded Gluten-Free Living. Ann, who was diagnosed with celiac disease 22 years ago, received a Master's in journalism from Temple University and a BA in English literature from Hunter College. A voracious reader and yoga enthusiast, she has two grown children, Andrew and Caryn, and five of the world's most perfect grandchildren.

Editor Amy Ratner was a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and freelance writer before joining GFL. She received her BA in journalism from Pennsylvania State University and has won several newspaper writing awards. Her daughter, Amanda, was diagnosed with celiac disease 20 years ago. Amy and her husband Andrew also have two sons, Alexander and Austin. Yes, it's a family of five A's.

Associate Publisher Kendall Egan brings previous sales and marketing experience with CBS and Liz Claiborne, Inc. She received her MBA in finance from New York University and her BA in political science from Boston College. Kendall was diagnosed with celiac disease 16 years ago, followed by her son, Brett, five years later. She and her husband Ken also have a son Troy, and two daughters, Dana and Rachel. Ken is known to make a mean loaf of gluten-free bread - a good thing because Kendall's mother and two nieces also have celiac disease.

GFL has a medical advisory board made up of physicians who are experts in treating those with celiac disease, and cutting edge researchers. The dietitian advisory board includes nutritionists specializing in the gluten-free diet.

GFL, published for almost two decades, is known for extensive and reliable research into ingredients and the gluten-free diet. The editors use their journalism experience to investigate and clear-up misinformation about the gluten-free diet.

Madavor Acquires the Gluten-Free Living Brand

Publication gets increased frequency, complete redesign and expanded distribution

On April 13, 2012 Boston-based Madavor Media, a privately held enthusiast publishing company, acquired the Gluten-Free Living brand, including the magazine, website and digital properties. The first two issues of Gluten-Free Living magazine under the new ownership—the Summer 2012 and Fall 2012 editions—have recently been published.  Gluten-Free Living joins a dynamic and diverse portfolio of other market-leading sports and enthusiast titles, digital magazines, trade shows, and websites.

Gluten-Free Living is a leading authority for those who follow a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance or for other reasons.  The publication helps them (and their family members) adjust to the gluten-free lifestyle. Gluten-Free Living features thoroughly-researched articles that have set the standard for accuracy in dietary information and guidance. Doctors and dietitians across the country recommend Gluten-Free Living to their patients.

The gluten-free industry is booming, growing 27% since 2009 and exceeding $6 billion in 2011, fueled by an abundance of new products in 2010 and 2011 that bear a gluten-free claim. Increasing diagnoses of celiac disease and food allergies; growing awareness of these ailments among patients, healthcare practitioners, and the general public; more products, and better ones; and a trend that has friends and family members eating gluten-free to support loved ones are among the factors stimulating continuing expansion in this market.

Madavor Media's VP/Group Publisher Susan Fitzgerald says that the publication is perfectly positioned to respond to this growing market. "We are thrilled to be working with current staff members, including editor-in-chief Ann Whelan, editor Amy Ratner and director of sales and marketing Kendall Egan, along with other freelance writers and photographers that have made Gluten-Free Living magazine one of the premier publications in the industry,” says Fitzgerald. “We will continue to deliver the quality and authoritative content that readers and advertisers expect from this publication. With our immense experience in niche journalism, music, sports, and lifestyle, in addition to our circulation, distribution, production, and promotional expertise, Madavor plans to take the Gluten-Free Living brand to new heights."

Since its acquisition by Madavor Media, Gluten-Free Living has already increased its frequency from quarterly (four issues per year) to bi-monthly (six issues per year).  In addition, the next issue features a complete redesign of the magazine with several new columns and sections.  Madavor is also expanding the distribution of Gluten-Free Living on the newsstand and to subscribers, as well as expanding delivery through digital editions.  In addition, future issues of the magazine will have bonus distribution in gastroenterologists’ office throughout the country. Finally, the website for the publication (www.glutenfreeliving.com) is being redesigned to maximize its traffic and impact.

Editor Amy Ratner is excited by the possibilities offered by the acquisition.  She says that the magazine is moving forward in many ways. “When we combine our know-how with Madavor’s publishing resources, I can see growth for Gluten-Free Living that matches the phenomenal increase in gluten-free products, research, awareness and understanding,” explains Ratner. “We are already bringing the magazine to readers more often and providing them with some of the things we have known they wanted for a long time, including new columns on other allergens, quick recipes, and savings. We are expanding our pool of writers to bring in experienced journalists as well as experts in all aspects of gluten-free living. Our exciting redesign will make our stories, which will still provide the best, most accurate gluten-free information available, more appealing and accessible to readers.  From here, we will only get bigger and better.”

Madavor Media publishes other titles and manages trade shows that are all leaders in their respective fields in the sports and enthusiast markets. Through its print and digital magazines, trade shows, websites, e-mail newsletters, and other partnerships across the publishing industry, Madavor offers unique ways to communicate with passionate consumers eager to learn more about products and events related to their interests.

Gluten-Free Living joins a team of eclectic and impressive publications such as FOAM, JazzTimes, International Figure Skating and Volleyball.  "We are honored to have the opportunity to expand our portfolio with this industry-leading and quality publication," says Jeffrey C. Wolk, chairman and CEO of Madavor Media. "Because of our experience and industry partnerships, we are well-positioned to serve this population, which encompasses the gluten-free lifestyle while targeting a niche audience. In essence, that is our area of expertise — producing publications for targeted markets — and we are delighted with this new undertaking.”