Industry News

Craft Sake Lecture Highlights CA Rice 

Craft Sake Lecture Highlights CA Rice 

Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science and UC Davis Library present a free virtual event highlighting California rice. 

Brewing Change: Craft Sake in the United States

Sake has long been the traditional drink when dining out at a Japanese restaurant, but sake brewers in the United States are hoping for and brewing something different. With four simple ingredients—rice, water, yeast, and koji mold—they build on traditional methods while experimenting with variations in rice varieties, milling, flavor profiles, and more. The rise of sake consumption in the U.S. and innovative startup breweries have grown the industry into a creative community exploring sustainability and new ways to enjoy an ancient beverage.

The Savor lecture series hopes to highlight rice farming in California, focusing on wildlife and natural habitat conservation, specialty sake rice crops, and sake rice milling. We will also touch on sake brewing history, explore how US production differs from traditional Japanese brewing, and the current markets and consumer trends.

Speakers include Erin O’Donnell, VP of Sales of Sake Rice and Retail for Sun Valley Rice; Yoko Kumano, co-founder of Umami Mart (a Japanese specialty shop); Yoshihiro Sako, co-founder of Den Sake Brewing.

Click here for more information and to register for the free virtual event.

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.