As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on a year of achievements, challenges, and forward momentum for the craft brewing industry. Advocating for nearly 1,200 small and independent breweries across Canada, we’ve worked tirelessly to promote and protect our sector. Here’s a look back at some of our key milestones in 2024.
Advocacy and Legislative Wins
Excise Tax Modernization:
This year marked a turning point in our advocacy efforts. The federal government implemented a 50% reduction in the excise duty rate for the first 15,000 hL of beer brewed in Canada. Effective April 1, this provided crucial relief for craft breweries, and I was honoured to have been invited to speak to this relief before Senate. We also developed the Excise Tax Toolkit and Excise Tax Calculator to empower breweries to understand and maximize these benefits.
Looking ahead, the CCBA is preparing for 2025 advocacy efforts, including expanding excise relief to the first 500,000 hL and making these rate reductions permanent. In anticipation of the next federal election cycle, we will also develop an Election Tool Kit to help brewers connect with candidates in their ridings and highlight the importance modernizing the excise tax schedule to support all craft breweries for the long term.
Health Labeling and Drinking Guidelines:
We continued to advocate against the two-drinks-per-week recommendation from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and monitored proposed legislation for alcohol warning labels. Bill S-254, which calls for mandatory warning labels on alcoholic beverages, has passed second reading in the Senate. The CCBA is closely tracking its progress and is prepared to appear before Senate to advocate for science-based, balanced approaches should it move forward. Communications with policymakers and collaboration with allied organizations remains central to ensuring practical policies that reflect the realities of Canada’s craft brewing industry.
Industry Challenges
Craft brewers are facing numerous challenges, with inflation hitting our industry especially hard. At its peak, malt prices surged by as much as 50%, aluminum cans by 20%, and cardboard by 16%. Additionally, some breweries are contending with astronomical rent hikes, further straining their financial stability.
Input costs for craft brewers are now three times higher than those faced by foreign-owned mainstream multinationals, placing independent breweries at a significant disadvantage. These pressures, combined with the closure of 70 breweries across Canada highlight the urgency for policies that support small brewers. Advocacy for sustainable financial relief and fair industry practices remains essential to ensuring the sustainable growth of Canada’s craft brewing community.
Celebrating Excellence: Canada Beer Cup
The 2024 Canada Beer Cup showcased the best of Canadian brewing, with entries exceeding targets by 13%. This year’s competition introduced exciting new features, including the Sasquatch Hops category, celebrating a uniquely Canadian ingredient, and Packaging Design Awards, recognizing outstanding branding.
For the first time, judging was overseen by three head judges and a top-tier all-female best in show judging panel. As an added bonus, best in show winner, Pile ‘O Bones Brewing, along with the other top two runners up all received free entries into the prestigious World Beer Cup.
The Beyond the Cup YouTube series provided behind-the-scenes insights, and the grand finale Awards Gala, hosted at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, BC, brought the community together to celebrate excellence. With strong support from our Platinum sponsor, Federated Insurance and other industry sponsors, and overwhelming participation, the event cemented its place as a premier showcase of the talent and dedication of Canadian craft brewers.
Building Value for Members
In 2024, the CCBA focused on delivering value for its members through new initiatives:
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like the Brewers Association provided members with exclusive content and benefits.
- Educational Resources: Development of a Provincial Policies Resource Guide and exploration of quality program materials to help navigate evolving regulations.
- Enhanced Visibility: The Independent Craft Seal program expanded, offering breweries tools to proudly showcase their authenticity.
Financial Sustainability and Governance
The CCBA achieved strong financial health throughout the year, exceeded the budgeted year-end surplus and positive fund balance. Key governance initiatives, such as a full board complement and regular provincial spotlights during board meetings, ensured alignment with member needs and industry priorities.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for 2025, our priorities include:
- Expanding excise tax relief efforts to cover the first 500,000 hL and pushing for permanent rate reductions.
- Deepening collaborations with industry partners to tackle proposed changes to Canada’s low risk drinking guidelines, increasing pressure for health warning labels, and advertising bans.
- Celebrating and elevating Canadian craft beer on both national and international stages.
Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making 2024 a year to remember. Together, we’re shaping the future of Canadian craft brewing. Cheers to another year of innovation, resilience, and camaraderie!
Warm regards,
Christine Comeau
Executive Director, Canadian Craft Brewers Association
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SOURCE: Canadian Craft Brewers Association (Press Release)
PHOTO CREDIT: Canadian Craft Brewers Association