LOS ANGELES, CA – USA Rice will once again participate in Sake Brewers Association of North America (SBANA)’s 2026 American Craft Sake Festival as a Bronze Sponsor. Founded in 2019, SBANA is the non-profit of the North American sake industry focused on promoting and protecting the industry's sake brewers, their sake, and the community of sake enthusiasts.
The annual festival will take place during the first week of September and is officially recognized as the largest gathering of the North American sake industry in the U.S. The event offers the general public the opportunity to learn about sake and try over 100 sake selections from member brands. The festival will also include educational seminars, curated pairings, opportunities to meet brewers, and a bluefin tuna cutting demonstration.
"As a long time SBANA member, USA Rice is proud to support the American Craft Sake Festival, underscoring the essential partnership between rice agriculture and North America's growing sake industry," said USA Rice Vice President of Domestic Promotion Cameron Jacobs. "Public facing events like these present an incredible opportunity to create more U.S. sake enthusiasts and increase awareness of U.S.-grown rice's evolving role in sake brewing."
The majority of the rice used by North American sake companies is grown here in the U.S., making American craft sake a “grain-to-glass” product in SBANA’s words. The sake industry’s relationships with dedicated farming and milling partners are integral to its craft.
USA Rice members and SBANA’s three major rice-producing members— Isbell Farms, Sun Valley Rice, and the Farmers' Rice Cooperative—are also sponsors for the event.
To learn more about the festival and purchase tickets visit www.craftsakefest.com.