Originally a senior Vice President with Standard Brands (Nabisco) in Montreal, Mr. Ralph Knowles moved westward to Fergus, Ontario in the late 70's to start the Canadian division of Gilbertson &Page, a Great Britain based company that specializes in premium pet food.

Recognizing the limited market for premium pet food in Canada, Mr. Knowles switched his focus to Infra-Red Roasting of grains for the food and beverage industry. Among Mr. Knowles first customers were Hart Breweries of Ottawa and McAuslin's of Montreal (known for the Oatmeal Stout).

Today, the Gilbertson & Page OIO brand grains, are used in many breweries throughout North America, including the large, Sleeman's of Canada, and the small, Flossmoor Station Brewery of Flossmoor, IL.

Mr. Knowles' role with Gilbertson & Page has changed in recent years as a result of semi-retirement, but a Knowles remains in charge with daughter Helen at the helm.

Cargill Malt-Specialty Products Group is a proud distributor of the full range of specialty grains produced by Gilbertson & Page, including their newest, Einkorn Wheat.