About The Guild

The NCCBG adheres to the definition of an American craft brewer as published by the Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade group that protects and promotes small and independent U.S. brewers.

The BA defines an American craft brewer as small, independent, and traditional.

Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less (approximately three percent of U.S. annual sales). Beer production is attributed to the rules of alternating proprietorships.

Independent: Less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcoholic beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.

Traditional: A brewer that has a majority of its total beverage alcohol volume in beers whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Flavored malt beverages are not considered beers.

In 2017, The Brewers Association (the Boulder-based trade group for U.S. craft breweries) introduced the Independent Craft Brewer Seal.

The certification mark is launched to help beer lovers tell the difference between independent craft breweries and acquired breweries.

The BA later releases a supporter seal for retailers, distributors, guilds, websites, beer lovers, and any organization that wants to show it supports small and independent craft breweries.

Keep an eye out for it next time you pick up some craft beer cans!

We seek to establish the NCCBG as:

• the recognized voice for North Carolina craft beer in national and state policy matters;

• a reliable resource and reference for our membership base, the media, and the general public;

• a leading advocate for North Carolina craft beer across all five tiers (supplier, brewer, wholesaler, retailer, and consumer); and

• a vibrant, enthusiastic coalition of craft brewers proud to promote and showcase North Carolina craft beer.

Working within a highly regulated industry, the state’s breweries and Guild work to create and maintain a business environment that fosters success for our breweries and operates for the well-being of our local communities.

Given our rapid growth, it is important for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to its ideals.

Therefore, we the Brewers of North Carolina affirm:

1. That as s a group of committed business owners, we will act in ways to promote the brewing communities of North Carolina,

2. We commit to working towards strengthening strategic relationships and focusing on ethical business practices.

3. And to the principles of excellence, equity, and respect for all people

4. And, we will strive to make our communities better places in order to support the continued growth of the craft beer industry in North Carolina.

And therefore, we as proud craft brewers resolve that:

1. We will support our industry and the communities that support it.

2. We will coach and mentor fellow industry members, following the example set by many of our industry veterans.

3. We will abide by all applicable laws and regulations, and when necessary, work alongside regulators and officials to improve or modify the rules that govern our industry.

4. We will actively value diversity in our workplaces and draw from the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone.

5. We commit to continuing to educate our customers on our products.

6. We encourage the safe consumption of our products.