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. 

Trusted Cybersecurity and Compliance Company Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member ISSE Services to the organization today. As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity...

Three29 Joins CMTA to Help Manufacturers Integrate AI Efficiency

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Three29 to the organization today. Three29 is a fully integrated, conversion-first agency specializing in helping manufacturing and construction companies. The...

Manufacturing in the News: June 2025

Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from June 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   New Fire...

Global Technology Leader Hitachi Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Hitachi to the organization today. The Hitachi Group is a global leader in digital innovation and sustainable solutions, with operations in various industries...

CMTA Lands at the Paris Air Show

CMTA is at the 2025 Paris Air Show, highlighting California’s vital role in the international aerospace industry. See our live updates!

Manufacturing in the News: May 2025

Scroll through CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news and updates from May 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...

Nationally Recognized Firm Eide Bailly Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Eide Bailly to the organization today. Eide Bailly is a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, providing leaders of all levels with solutions...

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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