As we approach the entry close date to this year’s Canada Beer Cup, I am excited to share that entries are trending toward what is shaping up to be our strongest year yet. Brewers just like you from across the country are stepping up to showcase their best beers, and the excitement continues to build.
This year, we have assembled what is arguably the strongest judging panel in Canada Beer Cup history. Industry experts from across the country and beyond will be providing valuable feedback to entrants, helping you benchmark your beer and gain meaningful insights to support continuous improvement.
We are also thrilled to again welcome Canadian cideries to the competition. With six cider categories to choose from, there has never been a better time for cider producers to participate. Even better, all members of Cider Canada are eligible for member pricing.
For breweries subscribing to the Independent Craft Seal, don’t forget you get one FREE packaging category entry. If you haven’t yet subscribed, now is the perfect time to join: https://members.ccba-ambc.org/independent-seal-subscriber.
The Canada Beer Cup is about much more than medals and trophies. Every entry helps support the advocacy work of the CCBA, allowing us to continue fighting for policies that strengthen Canada’s independent brewing sector.
Recently, CCBA Board Member Brad Goddard appeared before the federal Finance Committee to advocate for Canada’s craft brewing sector. During his presentation, Brad thanked the government for its recent decision to extend the 50% federal excise duty reduction on the first 15,000 hL brewed for an additional two years. Building on that success, he urged policymakers to make the relief permanent and expand it to apply to the first 500,000 hL brewed. His message reinforced what we continue to tell government: craft breweries are local manufacturers that support Canadian agriculture, create jobs, drive tourism, and contribute to vibrant communities from coast to coast to coast.
That message extends well beyond the brewing industry. Craft breweries purchase Canadian-grown barley and other agricultural products, act as local tourism operators, support restaurants and hospitality businesses, work with transportation and logistics providers, and rely on a broad network of goods and service suppliers. The success of our sector creates economic benefits throughout the Canadian economy.
I will be continuing this conversation on June 16 in Edmonton as part of an advocacy panel at the Taste of Place Summit, hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance. The discussion will explore how local food and beverage producers contribute to tourism, economic development, and community-building across Canada. If you are interested in these important conversations, there is still time to attend: https://www.tasteofplace.ca/event/tops/tickets?date=2026-06-16#category.
We also continue to work with government to ensure that proposed policy changes related to Canada’s low-risk drinking guidelines and alcohol packaging requirements are grounded in sound science, evidence, and practical policy considerations.
I would also like to thank the sponsors who make Canada Beer Cup possible. Their support helps elevate the competition while strengthening the industry as a whole. We are actively looking to deepen engagement with the suppliers and service providers that breweries rely on every day. I am now partnering with Matt James to expand sponsorship and partnership opportunities, and we would welcome a conversation. Please contact me at christine.comeau@ccba-ambc.org or Matt at matt.james@canadabeercup.com to learn more.
When you enter the Canada Beer Cup, you can feel good about your investment. You will receive professional tasting notes, have the opportunity to earn national recognition, and potentially bring home a Canada Beer Cup trophy. Most importantly, you are helping fund the advocacy efforts that continue to support the health, competitiveness, and long-term success of Canada’s craft brewing sector.
Entries close soon. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of Canada’s premier beer and cider competition. Enter today: https://beerawardsplatform.com/canada-beer-cup
Cheers!
Christine Comeau, Executive Director
Canadian Craft Brewers Association