Press Releases

The CCBA tracks many issues outside of the State Capitol that could impact members. Acting as a spokesperson for the industry on statewide issues, including the ongoing economic conditions, mergers, and acquisitions that threaten market competition for smaller breweries throughout the state, official statements on these issues are included below.

For more information and graphics for each press release please contact info@californiacraftbeer.com.

July 22, 2025

Local Breweries Across California Unite for a Fundraising Beer Release

Details

Sacramento, CA – The California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) announces the return of the CCBA Brewers Collaboration, a unique statewide collaboration beer release celebrating its fifth anniversary during California Craft Beer Week, happening July 18–27, 2025.

Each year, independent breweries across California participate in this special program by brewing their own take on the CCBA Brewers Collaboration beer. While each version is distinct, featuring a range of styles from saisons to hazy IPAs and crisp pilsners to juicy pale ales, the beers are united under a shared label, shared mission, and shared cause.

“A portion of proceeds from the CCBA Brewers Collaboration directly supports the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA). Funds raised through this program help us continue our mission so we may support vital advocacy efforts, educational programming, and resources that ensure a sustainable future for local, independent craft beer. The CCBA Brewers Collaboration is another example of just how collaborative the craft beer industry is in California; breweries showcase their different strengths and styles under a unified banner because we are stronger as an industry when we work together,” said Kelsey McQuaid-Craig, Executive Director of the CCBA.

2025 Participating Breweries
Cerveceria Del Pueblo – Pasadena, CA
Donner Creek Brewing – Truckee, CA
Euryale Brewing Co. – Riverside, CA
Jackrabbit Brewing Co. – Sacramento, CA
Moksa Brewing Company – Rocklin, CA
Side Hustle Brew Co. – Lodi, CA

Smog City Brewing Co. – Torrance, CA
Touchstone Brewing Co. – Sacramento, CA
Trinity County Brewing Co. – Weaverville, CA

Now in its fifth year, the CCBA Brewers Collaboration continues to grow and is held in conjunction with California Craft Beer Week, a 10-day statewide celebration spotlighting local breweries, community events, and craft beer culture. Consumers across California can discover nearby collaboration beer releases using the official Beer Locator Map, available at cacraftbeerweek.com.

About the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA)
The CCBA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association dedicated to representing California’s craft and specialty brewing industry. Established in 1989, the CCBA stands as the nation’s oldest and largest state trade association for craft breweries. Our initiatives promote and protect the growth of the craft brewing industry in the state. We take pride in serving California’s dynamic and historic craft beer community, encompassing the diverse artisans and entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the state’s craft brewing family. For more information on the growth and economic impact of the craft brewing industry, please visit californiacraftbeer.com.

July 17, 2025

A Special Celebration Kicks Off Friday, July 18 For California Craft Beer

Details

Sacramento, CA – California Craft Beer Week is making its return tomorrow, Friday, July 18, 2025, after a one-year hiatus — featuring brewery-hosted events, festivals, specialty beer releases, and more across the state. The ten-day celebration is organized by the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) to showcase that the spirit of California craft beer is as strong as ever.

Integrated into California Craft Beer Week are two statewide fundraising campaigns that support the CCBA’s mission – helping fund the advocacy, education, and member resources that support California’s independent craft breweries.

The CCBA Brewers Collaboration is now celebrating its fifth anniversary. Each year, breweries from across California brew their own unique take on the CCBA Brewers Collaboration beer, all released under the same unified label as a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines California’s craft beer community. These limited-edition beers will start to release at participating breweries this Friday, July 18.

To mark the return of California Craft Beer Week, the inaugural California Pint Day will kick off the weeklong festivities with a collectible, limited-edition pint glass available at participating breweries statewide. The program gives consumers a chance to take home a piece of the celebration while supporting the craft beer industry. A $2 donation from every glass is donated directly to the CCBA.

“California Craft Beer Week brings the craft beer community together in support of local breweries and the community spaces where connection thrives and all are welcome. Whether you are a long-time fan of craft beer or never visited a brewery before, we hope you will participate in one of the many events across the State, try a pint of the CCBA Brewers Collaboration beer release, or purchase the first-ever California Pint Day glass, all at participating breweries near you,” said Kelsey McQuaid-Craig, CCBA Executive Director.

May 12, 2025

California Craft Beer Week Returns

Details

Sacramento, CA — California Craft Beer Week returns July 18–27 for the largest statewide celebration for craft beer. Organized by the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA), this ten-day event will spotlight brewery-hosted events and special beer releases across California to highlight the strength and diversity of the community-driven craft beer industry. It’s a celebration of the people, places, and pints that make California’s craft beer scene so dynamic — fans and brewers alike are eager to see what the 2025 program has on tap.

“California’s award-winning craft beer industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes more than $8.9 billion to the state’s economy,” said Kelsey McQuaid-Craig, Executive Director of the CCBA. “California Craft Beer Week is a moment to celebrate the brewers, small businesses, and communities that make California craft beer the envy of the country. We hope you will join us not just in July, but throughout the year, to celebrate California craft beer.”

California Craft Beer Week also powers two statewide fundraising campaigns — energizing support for the CCBA and the future of craft brewing across the state.

Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the CCBA Brewers Collaboration beer showcases participating breweries across the state – each crafting a unique release in a style they’re best known for. A portion of the proceeds from the beer sales are donated to the CCBA.

New this year is California Pint Day, kicking off California Craft Beer Week with a limited-edition collectible pint glass available at participating taprooms statewide. This program gives consumers a chance to take home a piece of the celebration while directly supporting the CCBA and the breweries behind it.

With initiatives like California Craft Beer Week, the CCBA champions more than just good beer — it supports the business owners, brewers, and artisans working every day to keep California’s craft beer scene world-class.

May 5, 2025

California Leads U.S. in Medals at 2025 World Beer Cup

Details

Indianapolis, IN – The Brewers Association (BA) announced the winners of the 2025 World Beer Cup during an award ceremony held at the close of the Craft Brewers Conference this past week in Indianapolis. Known as the “Olympics of Beer,” the World Beer Cup competition, established by the BA in 1996, remains the pinnacle of brewing achievement and celebrates the art and science of brewing.

This year’s World Beer Cup featured an incredible 8,375 entries from 1,761 breweries and cideries across 49 countries. A total of 349 medals were awarded across 112 beer style categories, including gold, silver, and bronze.

California breweries once again secured the most medals at this year’s World Beer Cup, with an impressive 76 awards in categories like Juicy or Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, American-Style IPA, Cream Ale, Barrel-Aged Strong Beer, and Session IPA. This achievement reinforces the state’s continued leadership and innovation in the craft beer industry, showcasing the exceptional quality and creativity.

The California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) celebrates the outstanding achievements of California breweries, including its member breweries, who took home well-deserved medals at the World Beer Cup.

“We are excited to see the creativity in craft beer coming from across the world, but we are proud to say that California is still the gold standard for craft beer quality and innovation. We saw both longtime and newer breweries getting much deserved recognition from the World Beer Cup. This is a great time to visit craft breweries across the State to taste award-winning beer,” said Kelsey McQuaid-Craig, CCBA Executive Director.

For a complete list of winners and more information about the competition, visit worldbeercup.org. To view the California breweries that received awards, click here.

About the World Beer Cup
Organized by the Brewers Association, the annual World Beer Cup is considered the most prestigious beer competition globally. Beers are judged by an international panel of experts based on quality, style accuracy, and technical merit.

April 25, 2025

California Leads U.S. in Craft Brewing with Highest Output and Most Breweries in 2024

Details

SACRAMENTO, CA. – California continues to lead the nation in craft brewing, boasting both the highest number of craft breweries and the greatest production volume in the United States. According to the Brewers Association’s (BA) 2024 statistics, California is home to 961 craft breweries, ranking first in the country. The state also leads in production, with 3,737,147 barrels of craft beer produced in 2024, reflecting its strong presence in the national craft beer landscape.

“The BA’s annual statistics show that craft beer still has a strong and dedicated consumer base. As breweries seek diversification, many are finding growth in the hospitality sector and with expanded offerings beyond traditional beer. The CCBA and BA remain committed to ensuring all brewers have free-market access and the necessary tools to remain adaptable and meet consumer demands and changing market trends,” said Julian Shrago, Chair of the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA).

In addition to leading in production, California’s craft breweries have a significant economic impact, contributing $8.26 billion to the state’s economy. These breweries not only support tens of thousands of jobs but also serve as neighborhood hubs, bringing people of all walks of life together.

“We are proud to once again be the national leader in craft beer and to be an economic driver in communities across California,” said Kelsey McQuaid-Craig, Executive Director of the CCBA.

Notably, several California breweries were recognized among the top 50 craft brewers in the U.S., a reflection of the state’s vibrant and influential brewing scene. Click here to read more.