20170223

NY'S craft beverage branch shops top the 100 mark

The Beer Diviner Tap Room & Market in Troy
The growth in the number of wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries in New York State in recent years has been well documented. But, news of one niche in the industry has often gone unnoticed. Governor Andrew Cuomo took care of that today.

Speaking in New York City, the governor announced that the number of craft beverage manufacturers operating off-site branch stores has increased to 105 locations in 35 counties statewide, 32 of them in just the past year.

“The demand for New York’s world class beer, wine, cider and spirits continues to grow, and by supporting the expansion of craft beverage businesses, we are able to connect locally grown products to more customers than ever before,” Cuomo said. “These off-site stores are allowing these small businesses to enter new markets, create new jobs, and increase revenues to support the growth of local communities across the state.”

Under Cuomo, the state has overhauled its Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, including provisions to expand branch store privileges to all farm-based beverage manufacturers and permit craft beverage businesses to open up to five additional retail locations outside their manufacturing facility with no additional licensing fees.

The law now allows farm-based beverage producers to sell any farm-produced wine, beer, cider and spirits by the bottle and by the glass, host tastings, open restaurants, operate gift shops, and manufacture and warehouse their products at these branch locations.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The agricultural industry has seen an incredible boost from our state’s craft beverage producers who are proudly sourcing their ingredients from New York farms and meeting their customers’ demands for a unique and diverse selection of beverage products that are locally made. Thanks to the Governor’s continued commitment to this sector, we’re clearly seeing more businesses open and expand, which is helping to grow our local economies and spotlight New York agriculture.”

New York now has more than 600 farm wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries, an increase of more than 65% since 2010.

A chart showing branch shops statewide is available online. The 10 branches in the Greater Capital Region and their locations include:
  • Hudson Brewing, Hudson
  • Old Klaverack Brewery, Philmont, Greene County
  • Hudson Chatham Winery, Tannersville, Greene County 
  • Albany Distilling Company, Troy
  • The Beer Diviner, Troy
  • Upstate Distilling, Saratoga Springs 
  • Swedish Hill Winery, Saratoga Springs
  • Capoccia Vineyards & Winery, Schenectady
  • Lake George Distilling Company, Lake George
  • High Peaks Distilling Company, Lake George

• Go here for Notes On Napkins
• Go here for Dowd On Drinks
• Go here for Dowd's New York Wines Notebook

No comments: