About Us

We are committed to promoting and protecting independent craft breweries.

Purpose

We protect and strengthen Canada’s independent brewers

Vision

We envision a future where independent brewers prosper and craft brewing culture thrives

Mandate

To be the trusted voice of Canada’s independent brewers, the CCBA is focused on federal advocacy, empowering member success, and industry engagement

The CCBA's Values

Member-Driven

We put members at the centre of every decision. We act in the best interests of Canada’s independent craft brewing industry, deliver practical support, and represent all craft brewers with one trusted, unified voice.

Collaborative

We believe we are stronger together. We build meaningful relationships, create opportunities to connect and share experiences, and work across breweries, provinces, partners and government to advance the industry.

Integrity

We earn trust by acting with integrity, transparency and accountability. We can be counted on to follow through on our promises and are dedicated in everything we do.

Action-Oriented

We convert ambition into action. We focus on what matters most, follow through on our commitments, and demonstrate active engagement which will deliver meaningful results for our members and the industry.

Adaptive

We embrace new ideas, think entrepreneurially, and adapt as our industry evolves. We continually seek better ways to strengthen Canada’s independent craft brewing sector.

Responsible Drinking

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association is committed to promoting the responsible consumption of craft beer. Informed choices, consumer safety and reducing the harmful use of alcohol matter to our members and the communities they serve.

A few simple reminders:

Know your standard drink.

In Canada, one standard drink contains 13.45 grams of pure alcohol. For beer, that is approximately 341 mL (12 oz) of beer at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Beers with a higher alcohol content or larger serving size contain more than one standard drink.

Pace yourself.

Drink slowly, have water or another non-alcoholic beverage between alcoholic drinks, and consider eating before and while drinking.

Never drink and drive.

If you’re driving, plan ahead. Choose a designated driver, use public transit or arrange a taxi or rideshare.

Some occasions call for no alcohol.

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, taking certain medications, driving or operating machinery, or if alcohol presents a risk to your health or well-being, the safest choice is not to drink.

Need support?

If alcohol use is a concern for you or someone you know, confidential help and resources are available through Wellness Together Canada and provincial and territorial health services.

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association supports responsible consumption and encourages Canadians to make informed choices about alcohol.

Definition of a Canadian Craft Brewery

A Canadian Craft Brewery is a distinct category within the brewing industry characterized by its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative, and unique beer offerings. To qualify as a Canadian Craft Brewery, the following criteria must be met.

These criteria collectively define a Canadian Craft Brewery as an authentic and locally rooted brewing establishment dedicated to the art of craft brewing, fostering innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to producing exceptional beer for the enjoyment of consumers across Canada and beyond.

Ownership

Canadian Craft Breweries are at least 75% Canadian owned and operated, maintaining autonomy and control over their brewing processes, business decisions, and creative direction. They are independent and not controlled or significantly influenced by large-scale, foreign-owned interests.

Size

Canadian Craft Breweries are typically of a smaller scale, with an annual production capacity of up to 500,000 hectoliters (hL) per year. This limitation on size ensures a focus on craftsmanship, artisanal brewing techniques, and a dedication to producing beer with distinct flavours and characteristics.

License

Canadian Craft Breweries must be licensed to brew beer by a provincial or territorial authority and hold a valid Canadian excise duty license.

A screenshot of the CCBA board members on a video call

Board Governance

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors composed of:

  • Six Provincial Association Directors, representing Canada’s provincial craft brewers associations
  • Nine Brewer Directors, representing breweries of varying sizes from across four geographic regions:
    • West
    • Central & Territories
    • East
    • Atlantic

This structure ensures balanced regional representation and a diversity of perspectives from across Canada’s craft brewing industry.

CCBA Board of Directors

CCBA Team Members

Christine Comeau Headshot
Christine Comeau
Executive Director
Hilary Hoogsteen Headshot
Hilary Hoogsteen
Canada Beer Cup Competition Director
Marc Bru Headshot
Marc Bru
Bilingual Member Support Coordinator
Laura Taal
Finance & Administration
Paul Savage Headshot
Paul Savage
IT and Canada Beer Cup Logistics
Headshot of Craig Jangula
Craig Jangula
Government Relations Consultant, Jangula and Company Consulting

Canada Beer Cup

The Canada Beer Cup™ is a national competition celebrating independently owned and operated breweries across Canada. It showcases quality and innovation in craft beer from coast to coast to coast.

  • Beer evaluated by top international judges
  • 56 modernized beer styles in 12 categories
  • Canada Beer Cup trophy awarded to best-in-show
  • Packaging Awards in four distinct categories
  • Entry into the World Beer Cup®  competition awarded to the best-in-show winner and two runner-ups
  • For the industry, by the industry
  • All proceeds support the Canadian Craft Brewers
About the Competition