Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation (CCBI)

Looking to Improve Your Existing Craft Beverage Operations or Develop Something New?

Whether you’re an established craft beverage producer aiming to enhance quality, consistency, and efficiency, or an entrepreneur bringing a new product to market, the challenges can be complex. How do you streamline production, reduce costs, and scale successfully? How do you create a beverage that stands out in a competitive industry? The Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation (CCBI) at Durham College provides the expertise, facilities, and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Facilities and Expertise

For over a decade, the CCBI has been a trusted partner for craft beverage makers, providing solutions for both existing businesses and new product innovators. Our team has helped breweries, cideries, and other beverage producers optimize production, improve consistency, and enhance profitability. At the same time, we’ve guided entrepreneurs in launching innovative craft beers, ciders, kombuchas, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages.

With state-of-the-art facilities & lab, expert guidance, and hands-on support, CCBI offers the tools and knowledge to help your business thrive—whether you’re refining an existing product or bringing a new concept to life.

Our Programs and Services

CCBI offers a range of tailored programs and services designed to support both existing businesses and new product developers.

Programs

Productivity Booster Program (For Existing Craft Beverage Businesses)

  • Process Optimization & Cost Reduction – Improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize profitability.
  • Quality & Consistency Enhancement – Implement systems to ensure reliable batch-to-batch quality and meet industry standards.
  • Funding Support – Identify and secure grants to improve operations or develop new product lines.

Product Innovator Program (For New Beverage Entrepreneurs)

  • Craft Beverage Idea Viability – Assess the feasibility and market potential of your product concept.
  • Funding Support – Navigate available grants and funding opportunities for product development.
  • Recipe Development & Refinement – Work with experts to create or perfect a market-ready recipe.
  • Product Prototyping & Testing – Validate your beverage with professional lab testing and small-batch production.
  • Co-Packing Services (Coming Soon) – Small-scale production support to help businesses launch quickly and efficiently.

Farm Beverage Innovator Program (For The Farm Beverage Entrepreneur)

  • Content same as above but tailored for the farm.

Services

Product Development Services

  • Craft Beverage Idea Viability – Ensure your product has strong market potential before investing in production.
  • Funding Support – Access expert guidance on securing grants for product development and process improvement.
  • Recipe Development & Refinement – Develop, refine, and scale up your beverage formulation with expert support.
  • Product Prototyping & Testing – Produce small batches and conduct lab testing to ensure quality and consistency.

Advisory Services

  • Process Optimization & Cost Reduction – Enhance efficiency, streamline production, and improve margins.
  • Quality & Consistency Enhancement – Implement best practices for maintaining reliable product quality.
  • Funding Support – Expert assistance in identifying and securing grants for business growth and development.

Training Services

  • Quality Management System (QMS) Training for Craft Breweries (Coming Soon) – Virtual training modules for OCB members covering compliance, quality control, and operational efficiency.
  • Quality Management System (QMS) Training for Craft Cideries (Coming Soon) – Virtual training modules for Cider Canada members focused on compliance and process improvements.
  • Funding Support – Expert assistance in identifying and securing grants for business growth and development training.

Work with us!

Whether you’re looking to optimize your current beverage production or bring a new product to market, CCBI is your trusted partner. Contact us today to get expert support from concept to can!

To explore a potential partnership or project, email us at [email protected].