The Ontario Craft Brewers (OCB), the voice of craft brewing in Ontario, is encouraging everyone to celebrate Ontario Craft Beer Week, which runs from June 12th to 19th, by visiting their local craft brewery or choosing real local craft beer for their next summer BBQ or get together.
Ontario Craft Beer Week, which is now in its 13th year, was officially proclaimed by the provincial government in 2017. It is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible growth in the local craft beer industry over the past decade, and for Ontarians to discover local craft beer made by independently owned craft breweries, right in their own communities.
“We are thrilled that we can celebrate OCB Week in person again, and we hope it not only helps mark the start of summer, but is a chance for craft beer lovers to get out and enjoy a real local craft beer at their local brewery, or pick some up for their next BBQ or get together,” said Scott Simmons, President, Ontario Craft Brewers. “The past two years have been a challenging time for brewers and Ontarians alike, and OCB Week is the perfect time to support local by choosing real local craft beer the next time you are buying beer to help the industry and our province get back on its feet.”
Thanks to the strong partnership with the Ontario government and the support of craft beer lovers across the province, prior to COVID-19, Ontario’s more than 300 craft breweries employed over 4,600 people, which represented over 80% of all direct brewery jobs. All told, it generated $2 billion in economic opportunity in communities throughout Ontario, especially in rural and northern areas. Choosing real local craft beer will help unleash the next phase of the sector’s growth right here in Ontario.
“Community is at the heart of what craft beer is all about and Ontario Craft Beer Week is a great reminder of the amazing people who embody that and are committed to brewing high-quality beer that have made the sector what it is today,” concluded Simmons. “By buying real local craft beer, you are choosing to support your neighbours, support your communities, and support this important homegrown industry. I think that is something we can all celebrate.”