Interview with Adele Gray Kokalj Founder of Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia

Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2025: Interview with Adele Gray Kokalj

The Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2025 takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September 2025, bringing together the gluten-free community for a weekend of food, learning, and connection. Equal Eats will be exhibiting on Sunday 28th September, with CEO Kyle Dine and CTO Anatolii Serebrianskii showcasing our app, coeliac translation cards, and a special Expo-only discount on the app.

To give readers an inside look at the event, Kyle asked Adele Gray Kokalj, co-founder and organiser of Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia, to learn more about her personal connection to coeliac disease, the story behind the Expo, and what makes Slovenia such an important destination for gluten-free living.

Here’s their conversation:

What’s your personal relationship to this event and being gluten free?

I was diagnosed with coeliac disease over ten years ago. I started my own Facebook group for coeliacs around five years ago, mainly because there was a lot of confusion among coeliacs here, which came about as a result of there being two coeliac societies. I couldn't believe some of the stuff being written, so I somehow felt compelled to try to help, mainly by teaching people how to read labels and to not be afraid of buying products that aren't specifically labelled gluten-free but according to the list of ingredients, and providing there is no 'May contain traces of gluten' then they are suitable for coeliacs. 

Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia is my 'baby'! It started with me arranging a few small gluten-free markets in an effort to unite providers of gluten-free food in one place, which grew into a gluten-free festival and then an Expo! 

How many years have you run the Expo and how has it grown over that time?

As mentioned above, it started as a festival then evolved into an Expo. The first Expo was in Radovljica in September 2024, followed by March 2025 at the Celje Fair exhibition centre, and now the third Expo is on the doorstep.

It has certainly become an international event, with exhibitors, coeliac societies and visitors this year from Poland, Bosnia, Austria, Italy, Algeria and more.

We launched a new website this year, which has substantially driven growth and is available in three languages. We also launched a new platform – Gluten-Free Hub EU – as well as a new chatbot – Celiadelia.

By the way, the 'we' is my husband and I. We are both coeliacs, that's how we met. He is the president of our regional branch of the Slovenian Coeliac Society (SDC) and I'm the vice-president :-) 

Why Slovenia, and what is the gluten-free/coeliac community like there?

Slovenia because I live here! I moved from the UK to Slovenia in 2007, mainly due to my love of nature and mountains as well as a desire for a quieter and less stressful life, though organising a gluten-free expo wasn't on my list of things to do when moving here, as it certainly isn't without its stress!

In terms of the coeliac community, as I mentioned above re there being two coeliac societies, unfortunately it is quite divided, but things are certainly changing as more and more coeliacs understand that reading labels is key to success and having a wider and more affordable choice of food. I would like to think I have contributed to this change and will continue to do so. I'm proud that I've succeeded in setting up and running a Facebook group in which we help each other, without judgment. 

Is Slovenia a very accommodating country to visit for people avoiding gluten?

On the whole, yes. For a country of just 2 million people, I'd say that the number of providers of gluten-free food is sufficient, though, of course, there are always those who think the grass is greener on the other side! 

All the major supermarket chains stock gluten-free products, with Schaer by far dominating the market. However, in recent years there has been a surge in the number of providers of gluten-free food, with several new cake shops and restaurants opening.

In general, particularly in the touristy parts of the country, it isn't hard to find gluten-free food or get gluten-free food in restaurants. Of course, in less touristy parts it can be harder, which is why it's a good idea to have a handy translation card with you!

Though it's in the early stages, Gluten-Free Hub EU is a good place to find out more about what's available. 

What’s the most rewarding part of running the Gluten-Free Expo?

The most rewarding part is the day itself, seeing so many people enjoying a carefree day, especially children.

The run up to the event often sees me questioning why I do it, as the logistics and planning can be a nightmare, but it always seems to work out on the day, well so far at least!

Why is this event a must-visit for those avoiding gluten, and the general community?

It's a must-visit because it's the biggest gluten-free event in Slovenia and, for the time being at least, in the region. 

It's not just a gluten-free market but an event at which you can listen to talks, watch live show cooking, listen to live music, watch a magician, buy and try numerous gluten-free products, enjoy delicious gluten-free meals, even those cooked by a Michelin-starred chef, and more!

Meet Equal Eats at Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2025

Equal Eats is proud to be part of Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2025. Join us on Sunday 28th September to meet our founder and CEO Kyle and CTO Anatolii, who will be giving live demos of the Equal Eats app. Discover how the app empowers people with coeliac disease and food allergies to communicate their dietary needs in over 52 languages, whether dining locally or abroad.

Exclusive Expo Offer: On Sunday only, attendees can unlock a special discount on the Equal Eats app, available just for this event.

We’ll also share how our trusted coeliac translation cards and app features, including offline mode, instant language switching, and easy sharing options, make travel safer and stress-free.

Visit our stand on Sunday and claim your special app discount. We can’t wait to connect with you at Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2025!

About Adele 

Adele is a British expat living in Slovenia with a strong passion for gluten-free living and raising awareness about coeliac disease. She serves as the vice-president of the Slovenian Coeliac Association’s Gorenjska branch and is the founder of the Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia.

Through her blog, Adele in Slovenia, she shares stories about her life in Slovenia, particularly in Radovljica and the surrounding areas, while also offering practical insights into gluten-free restaurants, food, and events. Her writing has become a trusted resource for both locals and visitors managing coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

You can find out more about Adele here: https://adeleinslovenia.com/