Durham College Pushes Boundaries in Beverage Innovation

The Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation at Durham College has officially rebranded as the Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation, a move that reflects its growing role in supporting a broader spectrum of beverage creators across Ontario and beyond.

For more than a decade, CCBI has been a trusted partner for small-batch craft brewers, offering technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on support. But as the craft beverage industry has evolved, so has the Centre’s mission.

“In addition to helping brewers, we are also working with kombucha makers, cideries, wine artisans, and entrepreneurs developing alcohol-free beverages,” said Chris Gillis, Manager of Applied Research Business Development at the CCBI. “Our new name reflects both the diversity of creators we serve as well as the expanded services we offer to support collaboration, creativity and growth in Ontario’s craft beverage sector.”

A Broader Vision for Craft Beverage Makers

The name change signals a deep commitment to inclusivity and innovation in the craft beverage space. Whether fermenting, steeping, pressing, or carbonating, producers of all kinds now have a clearer path to market through CCBI’s expanded services.

The Centre now offers tailored programs for:

  • Established businesses looking to optimize production and reduce costs.
  • New entrepreneurs developing innovative beverage concepts.
  • Farm-based producers seeking to scale while preserving their local identity.

Services within these programs include product development, recipe refinement, lab testing, prototyping, and productivity optimization.

Programs That Meet Producers Where They Are

To better serve the diverse needs of the industry, CCBI has introduced three flagship programs:

  • Productivity Booster Program: Helps existing businesses streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve margins.
  • Product Innovator Program: Supports new product development with coaching, trend insights, and pilot testing.
  • Farm Beverage Innovator Program: Tailored for farm-based producers, offering guidance on scaling, compliance, and seasonal formulation.

Each program is designed to help producers avoid trial-and-error and make smarter, more strategic decisions from day one.

Innovation from Concept to Can

One of the Centre’s standout offerings is its Product Prototyping Service, which allows creators to test and refine their beverages in small batches using professional-grade equipment. This helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures consistency before scaling up.

“Whether it’s a new kombucha, beer, hard cider, or seltzer, we help turn ideas into customer-ready products,” said Gillis. “Our goal is to eliminate the guesswork and help producers launch with confidence.”

Quality and Compliance, Without the Guesswork

CCBI also offers Lab Testing Services that provide small producers with access to the same analytical tools used by major brands. From alcohol content and pH levels to microbial stability and shelf life, these tests ensure products meet regulatory standards and deliver consistent quality.

“Guessing doesn’t cut it when it comes to quality,” Gillis emphasized. “Our lab services give producers peace of mind — and a better experience for their customers.”

Said Gillis: “Whether you’re making kombucha in your kitchen or running a full-scale brewery, or cidery, you’ve got a partner in the CCBI.”

To learn more about our services or to partner with us, email CCBI@durhamcollege.ca.