Marcio Buffolo
Marcio Buffolo is the first Brazilian to earn the title of Certified Pommelier. A trained biologist with a Master’s degree in Cell Biology, he spent six years working as a Brewmaster before transitioning to the world of cider in 2022. Since then, Marcio has focused on advancing the cider industry in Utah as the cidermaker at Mountain West Hard Cider, while also promoting the beverage in his home country of Brazil. His dedication to improving and innovating ciders reflects his deep passion for the craft and his commitment to shaping the future of cider.
Matthew Ostrander
Matthew Ostrander is on a mission to be a leading educator and advocate in the craft cider movement by doing his civic duty to taste test as many ciders from around the globe as humanly possible and share that information with the general public. A chemical engineer by trade, he is not only fascinated by the fermentation science behind cidermaking, but he also has a deep appreciation for the art and history behind US and international cider production. Since 2018, as Chief Cider Curator and founder of Ibantik Craft Beverages, Matthew has been diligently working to expand the craft cider selection available through the Utah state-controlled system. Ibantik Craft Beverages represents ciders from more than 25 different producers and is the only cider-focused brokerage in the state.