News & Insights

We’re changing the narrative of the manufacturing industry one story at a time. CMTA’s award-winning storytelling team showcases California’s 30,000 manufacturers by uplifting the voices of our makers. Find industry news and the stories from those “Making California” below. 

Manufacturing in the News: December 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing news from December 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month.   Latest Industry News   Wisk Completes...

CMTA Supports Quarry Innovation Center

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association(CMTA) today announced its support for the Quarry Innovation Center, an advanced manufacturing development proposed near Brisbane, CA, on the San Francisco Peninsula. The project is...

Butcher Power Products Joins CMTA Amid Impressive Growth

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Butcher Power Products to the organization today. Based in Sacramento, Butcher Power Products delivers utility-grade switchboards, switchgear, and power distribution...

California’s 2026 Laws: What Manufacturers Need to Know

Sacramento, CA. – Starting January 1, 2026, California manufacturers face several new laws that will reshape compliance, hiring, training, and investment decisions. The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) highlights six major laws that...

Cal EPIC Joins CMTA’s Growing Statewide Manufacturing Network

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Cal EPIC to the organization today. Cal EPIC works to accelerate research and development of next-generation energy and transportation technology. Through the...

Manufacturing in the News: November 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from November 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month.   Latest Industry News   Governor...

Leading Employer of People with Disabilities Joins CMTA

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member PRIDE Industries to the organization today. With a mission to create lasting employment for people with disabilities, PRIDE Industries is one of the most successful...

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Support California Makers

2025 California-Made Holiday Gift Guide    Celebrate the season with gifts made by California’s most innovative manufacturers. From handcrafted treats to cutting-edge creations, these products showcase the creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship that make...

4 Ways CMTA Helps Manufacturers Compete in California

Why CMTA Membership Is Essential for California Manufacturers   Since 1918, CMTA has been dedicated to creating an environment where California manufacturers can thrive, not just survive. Membership provides manufacturers of all sizes with the tools, support, and...

CMTA Elects New Board Officers

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced the election of new officers within its Board of Directors, underscoring the organization’s commitment to strong leadership representing California’s diverse manufacturing...

Press Release

Sacramento Popcorn Maker Carmazzi Caramel Corn Joins CMTA

Apr 4, 2024

Sacramento, Calif.The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Carmazzi Caramel Corn, California’s Lil’ Drops of Sunshine, to the organization today.

A secret family recipe passed down from four generations to Karen Carmazzi and her son Paul Jr. jumpstarted Carmazzi Caramel Corn and led the family to accolades. Carmazzi Caramel Corn started in Karen’s home kitchen in January 2018. The mother-son duo opened their storefront in Sacramento, CA, in the summer of 2023.

“You walk into Carmazzi Caramel Corn or open up a fresh bucket of their popcorn and will always be met with the smell of sweet caramel butter and fresh popcorn,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “My family has long loved Carmazzi’s popcorn, and I look forward to continue building California’s small, family-owned manufacturers like the Carmazzi’s through our work at CMTA.”

Carmazzi Caramel Corn is made with the highest-quality ingredients and is soy, peanut, tree nut, gluten, and high-fructose free.

“Carmazzi Caramel Corn is proud to manufacture our product out of the state capital. We look forward to working with the CMTA and its myriad of resources while learning and navigating our growth from the other members,” said Karen Carmazzi, CEO & Founder of Carmazzi Caramel Corn.

The small-scale family manufacturer was a top four finalist in CMTA’s Inaugural Coolest Thing Made in California Competition in 2023. The Caramel Corn makers beat out Fortune 500 companies based on popularity votes. In the end, Tesla won the competition. Carmazzi Caramel Corn has won several awards at the California State Fair and received Sacramento Republic FC’s Kickstart Program for women-owned businesses in the region.

Customers can find Carmazzi Caramel Corn sold across Northern California at Wineries, Breweries, Grocery Markets, Gift Shops, the Sacramento International Airport or their brick-and-mortar shop at 520 La Sierra Drive Sacramento.

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About CMTA

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit CMTA’s website.

About Carmazzi Caramel Corn

Carmazzi Caramel Corn is family owned and operated out of Sacramento, CA. Our award-winning recipe has been passed down four generations and is continually growing to be one of California’s best treats. We are committed to using quality whole ingredients to ensure our caramel corn will be soy free, gluten free, nut free, and contain no high fructose corn syrup.

We are proud to produce one of California’s highest quality snacks. For more information, visit Carmazzi Caramel Corn’s website.

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