[3] The association adopted the name Ontario Craft Brewers and launched their first marketing campaign under that brand in the spring of 2005.
[4] As proponents of the North American craft beer movement, the Ontario Craft Brewers have published a formal OCB Brewing Philosophy mandating members to employ traditional brewing methods, including brewing in small batches, the use of natural quality ingredients, fermentation to final gravity without dilution, and the avoidance of preservatives or additives.
[7] The remainder of beer in the province is sold by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), a provincial crown corporation solely responsible for the sale of liquor and spirits in Ontario,[8] and by licensed bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.
The Ontario craft brewing industry expansion was supported by changes to the retailing landscape brought in by the Government of Ontario, including beer sold in grocery stores, a new Beer Framework and governance structure for the Beer Store, co-shipping among craft breweries, and a minimum of 20% shelf space allocation in TBS and grocery stores.
[10] Major Canadian retailer Loblaws led the way by hosting a media launch event in Toronto with the Premier of Ontario and Minister of Finance, and a commitment to stock approximately 50 per cent local, Ontario craft beer.