Brewery Membership

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.

See some of our recent advocacy wins

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.

Our private Member Portal houses exclusive content available to OCB members only, including detailed industry statistics, presentation archives, and technical manuals.

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.

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.

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.

The OCB provides detailed quarterly reports on the craft beer market in Ontario. See how and where our sector is growing, track trends in the industry and discover what consumers are drinking.

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.

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.

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.

Have your brewery listed as a stop on one of the OCB’s 16 Ontario Craft Beer Trails.

Promote your brewery with your own profile page on the OCB’s Brewery Directory with links to your website and social media.

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.

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.

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.

The OCB hosts the annual Ontario Craft Brewers Conference & Suppliers Marketplace, attracting over 1,000 attendees each fall, with discounted registration fees for members.

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.