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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
