Brewery Membership
If you’re an independently owned bricks and mortar craft brewery operating in Ontario, this membership is for you.
Join other leading craft breweries in the province to have your voice heard, help grow your business, and assist in the fight for a better environment for craft brewers.
What we do
The OCB works on many fronts to advance the interests of its members. Our main priorities are to strengthen the industry and help our members’ breweries grow and succeed. We work with all levels of Government to establish and maintain an operating infrastructure and access to affordable distribution channels, building a solid foundation to make Ontario a centre of excellence in craft brewing.
Key membership benefits
1. Government relations
Government relations and advocacy is the key focus of the OCB. We work hard to remove the red tape barriers for craft brewers and to modernize regulations to support our member breweries. Our advocacy is even more critical as we approach the end of the existing Master Framework Agreement (MFA) in 2025 to ensure the future of beverage alcohol in Ontario is one that benefits bricks and mortar craft breweries.
2. Annual LCBO merchandising program
The OCB and LCBO offer a highly successful joint merchandising program which gives members exclusive opportunities for promotional end aisles, shelf extenders and mini-thematics. Look out for the notice to members which is sent in August each year.
3. Member-only content
Our private Member Portal houses exclusive content available to OCB members only, including detailed industry statistics, presentation archives, and technical manuals.
4. Member forum
Our Member Portal also includes a private forum where you can connect with other OCB members, access and share resources, list events, post job openings and classified ads, ask questions and start discussions.
5. Regular town halls
In-person and virtual town halls are held regularly to update members on government relations activities, provide networking opportunities, and create dialogue with local brewers about issues that can be incorporated into OCB’s advocacy at Queen’s Park.
6. Weekly craft beer email newsletters
Our regular newsletters help you to stay up to date on the latest in the craft beer industry including government regulatory updates, retail channel news, exclusive member offers from suppliers and vendors, upcoming events and more.
7. Free membership to the CCBA
OCB members hold a free membership to the Canadian Craft Brewers Association which provides federal advocacy, education, and cost-saving programs to craft brewers across the country. The OCB is a proud Board member of the CCBA and we collaborate on many issues to present a unified voice and represent the interests of independently owned craft breweries across Canada.
This also entitles OCB Members to discounted Canada Beer Cup entry fees.
8. Free membership to the CFIB
The OCB has partnered with the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses to offer OCB members full membership, free of charge. Access all CFIB programs and services, including CFIB Savings Programs, discounts on software such as QuickBooks, unlimited access to CFIB Business Counsellors on their Business Helpline, weekly webinars and more.
9. Craft receptions with government
The OCB hosts receptions at Queen’s Park twice a year, providing opportunities for brewers to interact directly with government decision makers, including Cabinet Ministers, MPPs, and their staff. The Speaker’s Annual Craft Beer Reception, held each spring, offers OCB members the opportunity to have their beer selected to be served in the Legislature dining room for a year. The OCB also co-hosts an Ontario Craft Reception with the Ontario Craft Wineries, Ontario Craft Cider Association, and the Ontario Craft Distillers.
10. Beer Trail listing
Have your brewery listed as a stop on one of the OCB’s 16 Ontario Craft Beer Trails.
11. Brewery Directory listing
Promote your brewery with your own profile page on the OCB’s Brewery Directory with links to your website and social media.
12. Technical support
OCB’s technical team is led by Dr. Dirk Bendiak. Dirk holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics, has a long and distinguished career in the brewing industry, and is a go-to resource for all things technical. He is available to call or visit member breweries who have technical issues or need advice.
13. Exclusive member discounts
The OCB has over 20 supplier partners that offer great deals to our members. Discounts include 10% off at Mark’s on workwear and footwear for member employees.
14. Ontario Craft Beer Week
Ontario Craft Beer Week, an OCB initiative, is a week-long, province-wide celebration held every June that celebrates the thriving locally-based craft beer industry and highlights the premium quality and culture of Ontario craft beer.
15. OCB Conference
The OCB hosts the annual Ontario Craft Brewers Conference & Suppliers Marketplace, attracting over 1,000 attendees each fall, with discounted registration fees for members.
16. Special pricing for industry events
The OCB has partnerships with several other industry groups to provide members with discounted opportunities to showcase their products, including eligibility to exhibit at the Ontario Craft Brewers Pavilion at the Restaurants Canada Show.
17. Canadian Craft Brewers Quality Program
This program was developed for Canadian craft breweries of any size and will be provided to all members of the Ontario Craft Brewers Association at no charge as a member benefit.
The link to the full program can be found on the brewery member dashboard. Learn more
Membership Dues
Annual OCB Membership dues are based on a brewery’s total annual production volume. Dues are calculated with a base fee of $495 plus $0.65 for every hL brewed over 1,000 hL and are billed quarterly. Members joining after the start of the year will receive a prorated invoice based on the number of months remaining in the year.
FAQs
Who can join the OCB?
To be eligible for OCB Brewery Membership, breweries must:
- Be an independently owned bricks-and-mortar brewery.
- Produce no more than 400,000 hectolitres of annual worldwide beer production.
- Produce at least 51% of their Ontario sales in their Ontario brewery, close to the markets and the communities they serve.
- Be open to the public, other brewers and beer enthusiasts.
OCB also looks at quality assurance procedures when evaluating applications.
What does it cost to join?
Annual OCB Membership dues are based on a brewery’s total annual production volume. Dues are calculated with a base fee of $495 plus $0.65 for every hL brewed over 1,000 hL.
Will my dues be prorated if I join half way through the year?
Yes, members joining after the start of the year will receive a prorated invoice based on the number of months remaining in the year.
When are dues invoiced?
Dues are invoiced quarterly on April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1. Invoices are due upon receipt.
How do I calculate my dues if I don’t have a full year of production volume?
Dues will be based on your volume forecast for the current year and will be adjusted at year-end if actuals are significantly higher than estimates. Brewery In Planning members pay the same fees as Operating Brewery members.
Have questions about membership?
Contact us today.
Or contact us directly at:
info@ontariocraftbrewers.com